Former Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo joins AFC Champions League Two participant Esteghlal, and the ex-Saint can end up squaring off against Saints' forward icon Sadio Mane this season.
Honestly, having been bruised off a Stoke defeat themselves, it's unfair to expect Saints fans to have tuned into footballing action elsewhere. Yet, for those who did, they ended up affected more, only witnessing former club icon Sadio Mane slip upon his inaugural title with Al Nassr again.
Agreed, being unavailable for a red-card suspension, Mane would have barely influenced the result. Yet, seeing his side losing margins in his long-hated penalties would have added to the toil on the 33-year-old.
Still, on the brighter side, though the ex-Saint missed up on a silverware opportunity early in the season, Al Nassr's grandest knockout title is yet to begin. Well, that's for a commendable trophy chance in the AFC Champions League Two this season.
Having crashed out in the AFC Champions League Elite semis last season, Saints fans would wholeheartedly wish for Mane this time. But though a fairly conquerable challenge for him, he must be prepared, should he need to lock heads with a Saints successor in the competition.
Moussa Djenepo completes Asian move to Esteghlal
That's because, as per Get Football News, ex-Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo has put pen to paper in a free transfer contract for AFC Champions League Two side Esteghlal. And with the side having squared off 3 times against Al Nassr last season, it wouldn't be too much for St. Mary's faithful to anticipate a clash between him and club great Mane.
Honestly, having been tipped for a Premier League opportunity, even if off a feeble rumour, an Asian move at just 26 might seem a harsh move for Djenepo. Yet, truth be told, even getting his Saints idol, Mane, as a competitor is a privilege for him after the disappointing spells he has had.
Intriguing, isn't it, how within years of being nominated for Goal of the Season in the Top Flight, Djenepo's career mirrors that of a failed talent. Agreed, the once Saints fan-favourite can still embark on a comeback path, but will it be enough to launch a European journey ever again? At least, let's hope so.