Yaya Sanogo, the former Arsenal striker, has suggested that he might return to English football after completing a season with Qingdao Red Lions in the Chinese second division. Sanogo, who is now a free agent, is open to new opportunities and has reportedly received several phone calls, particularly from European clubs. He indicated that he is looking for a project that would allow him to enjoy football again, following struggles in his career, such as a failed transfer to Middlesbrough in 2020. It was reported that Middlesbrough fabricated a shoulder injury during his medical, which hindered his ability to join a new club at that time.

Yaya Sanogo, after having played in Armenia for Urartu, left Europe for the first time in his career to join the Qingdao Red Lions in China. After four months of inactivity and scoring 8 goals in 19 matches, he signed with the Qingdao Red Lions in March, currently ninth in the Chinese first division rankings. His performance, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist in 7 matches, has caught the attention of several European clubs. Yaya Sanogo's contract is until next November.