Former Liverpool winger Mane recently revealed in an interview that he was close to joining Tottenham during the transfer process and even exceeded Manchester United's options. However, he finally changed his mind and chose to join Liverpool due...
Former Liverpool winger Mane recently revealed in an interview that he was close to joining Tottenham during the transfer process and even exceeded Manchester United's options. However, he finally changed his mind and chose to join Liverpool due to a phone call from Klopp.
The Senegal international played for Southampton from 2014 to 2016 and attracted the attention of many clubs with his outstanding performance in the Premier League. He eventually moved to Liverpool in 2016 for £34 million.
However, Mane has now revealed the dramatic details behind the transfer. Mane was in talks with three clubs at the time: Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool. In an interview with Ferdinand, Mane explained why he turned down Manchester United and Tottenham.
Mane said: "Van Gaal once called me. He said: 'Mane, how are you? What are you busy with? How is the situation?' I replied: 'I am fine.' He went on to say: 'I want you to come to Manchester United.'
"I asked: 'Really? ’ He confirmed: ‘Yes. ’ I responded: ‘Okay, I’m talking to my agent now. We'll weigh up the best options because I know you're a good player and you can help the team and we can help you improve further. '
"Then I asked: 'So my question is: you have Depay, Rooney, Di Maria and Robin van Persie in the team, and I think the positions overlap. Where do I play?' This is the core of my concern, because I am hungry for playing time.
" Van Gaal explained: 'I know your talent, you are excellent. But as long as you perform well in training and leave a deep impression, you will get a chance. But we have other equally good players. '
"I was not convinced by his statement. A few days later, the club contacted me again. I waited for the follow-up with my agent and family. After I communicated with the coach, he still emphasized that 'you can play if you perform well, otherwise...' But at that time, I felt that I was not ready yet.
"I am still young and need more guidance and room for growth. It may take another year or two to reach the ideal level. I wasn't consistent enough at Southampton.
"So we decided: 'Okay, let's wait and see.' Because of Tottenham, I originally arranged a meeting. At the same time, Pochettino also contacted my agent and said: 'I would like to invite Mane to visit the Tottenham training base.' A week later, I went to the Tottenham base, inspected the facilities, met with the coach and had in-depth exchanges.
"Compared to Manchester United's plan, I prefer Tottenham's plan. Because Manchester United has so many superstars, the competition is too fierce. "
The turning point came from a phone call from then-Liverpool coach Klopp. Mane added: "Klopp wanted to sign me during my second season at Salzburg when he was at Dortmund. Because Salzburg's tactical style, especially the high pressure, was exactly the same as that of Dortmund at the time.
"We met to discuss a move to Dortmund, but it didn't happen. We met again when he was coaching Liverpool and I was already established at Southampton. He called me and said: 'Listen, it was my fault I missed you last time. How do you feel about working together now?'
"...At the same time, I almost finalized the transfer after meeting with Pochettino and told Tottenham: 'As long as you and my agent agree and all the conditions are met, I will join. ’ Three days after returning home, Klopp called. I immediately thought: ‘This is my Klopp! This is exactly what I want. ’
“I promised him: ‘I promise you. Despite offers from other clubs, I am determined to join Liverpool.’
”It is worth mentioning that Liverpool did not even qualify for the Champions League at that time, and Tottenham was competing in the Champions League. "
Ferdinand asked: "Is this purely because of Klopp's personal charm, not the Liverpool club itself? "
Mane affirmed: "When Klopp called, he first apologized: 'It was my responsibility that Dortmund failed to make the trip last time. ’ His sincerity impressed me.
"He promised: 'We will build a formidable team. As long as we grow together, you will play in every game.'
"This is exactly the plan I long for: "We will build a strong lineup and guarantee your playing time." I responded without hesitation: ‘Okay, I accept. '
"My agent reminded: 'But Liverpool already has Coutinho playing on the left, and Firmino and Sturridge are also in the squad.' Klopp firmly said: 'No, you will play every game.'
"I finally stated: 'Needless to say, I don't care about the salary details. As soon as I reach an agreement with Southampton, I will join immediately. ’”
Mane eventually played 269 times for Liverpool, scoring 120 goals and providing 46 assists. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2022 and currently plays for the Saudi team Riyadh Victory.
