What If Sane Had Joined Klopp’s Liverpool in 2016? | OneFootball

Sane’s LFC Rejection: What Could Have Been

Leroy Sane’s decision to join Manchester City over Liverpool in 2016 remains a pivotal moment in Premier League history. At the time, the German winger was among Europe’s hottest prospects after shining for Schalke. His choice to play under Pep Guardiola, rejecting Jurgen Klopp’s advances, significantly influenced the trajectory of two of the Premier League’s dominant forces.

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Klopp’s Pursuit of Sane

As Sane’s star rose in Germany, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recognised his potential and made a concerted effort to bring him to Anfield. In a 2018 interview, Sane reflected on Klopp’s interest: “Yes, I was also talking with them. Jurgen was calling me too, talking to me. That was before I joined City. He did a good job at [Borussia] Dortmund – I met him when he was there. He’s a good guy, nice guy – honest. He [has] worked well with Liverpool.”

Despite Klopp’s charm and his reputation for nurturing young talent, Sane ultimately chose Manchester City, a decision that changed the landscape of English football. Guardiola’s vision for City, coupled with the club’s financial backing, proved irresistible for the then-20-year-old.

Guardiola’s Messi Challenge

At Manchester City, Sane became one of Guardiola’s first signings, joining the club for £37 million. Initially, he struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. However, with Guardiola’s guidance, he soon found his rhythm.

Sane recalled a pivotal conversation with his manager: “Pep told me to play with freedom like [Lionel] Messi, not like Messi – it’s impossible. Be free like Messi, have fun, do things like he wants from a striker like the end of the space [near goal] – take the option to shoot or give an assist.”

While Guardiola wasn’t asking Sane to replicate Messi’s brilliance, he emphasised playing with creativity and instinct, key traits that helped the winger thrive. Sane’s pace, dribbling, and decision-making made him a nightmare for defences. His contributions were vital as City became the first Premier League side to achieve 100 points in a season, winning the 2017/18 title as part of the famous ‘Centurions.’

LFC’s Missed Opportunity

For Liverpool, Sane’s rejection added another layer to their rivalry with Manchester City. While Klopp eventually built his attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, Sane’s potential impact on Liverpool’s style of play is tantalising to consider. With his directness and technical skill, he could have been a perfect fit for Klopp’s high-energy, counter-pressing system.

Sane’s decision, however, paid dividends for City. Over three seasons, he made 135 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 43 assists in all competitions. His contributions helped City secure two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cups.

What Could Have Been

By 2020, the allure of a return to Germany led Sane to join Bayern Munich. Since then, he has added three Bundesliga titles to his trophy cabinet but has struggled to replicate the explosive form he displayed under Guardiola. Now primarily used as a substitute by Vincent Kompany, his former City teammate, Sane’s role at Bayern has diminished.

With his contract expiring next summer, speculation over his future is rife. Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked with the winger, along with Manchester United. It raises an intriguing question: could Sane return to the Premier League, and if so, what role would he play in its evolving narrative?

Sane’s story is one of immense talent shaped by key decisions. His rejection of Liverpool was not just a personal choice but a moment that altered the Premier League’s power dynamics. As speculation about his future grows, fans of Liverpool and City alike may ponder how his next chapter will unfold.