Man Utd face fresh Sancho transfer headache

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 May 2024 18:07 BST
4 min read

Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund — © IMAGO

Borussia Dortmund won't try to force a move for Jadon Sancho this summer and they are already lining up alternatives, according to a report.

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The Manchester United winger revived his career back at his old stomping ground after joining the Black and Yellow on loan in January. Particularly in recent weeks, Sancho has been a strong performer for Borussia Dortmund and many are hoping that the Champions League final against Real Madrid won't be his last game for the club.

Indeed, Dortmund are keen to keep Sancho around, but they are well aware of the fact that it won't be easy. Man Utd are demanding a sizeable fee to acquire his services permanently and the seemingly imminent sacking of Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag potentially opens the door to an Old Trafford return even though the club would rather sell.

Dortmund's finances have been mightily boosted by reaching the final of Europe's premier competition, but they won't break the bank to sign Sancho.

Dortmund's transfer plans

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga side will first try to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea permanently. Snapping up the Dutchman is considered their biggest priority for the summer and the January loanee is keen on staying.

Dortmund are reportedly readying a first offer for Maatsen in the region of €25 million which is some way short of his release clause thought to be in the region of €35-€40m.

Such a sizeable outlay on the left-back will likely not leave enough budget space for Sancho especially since the Black and Yellow will also have to replace several departing first-teamers such as club legend Marco Reus, versatile defender/winger Marius Wolf and potentially Mats Hummels.

As a result, Dortmund are looking at potential Sancho alternatives and one of the players they are said to be very keen on is Brajan Gruda. The Mainz youngster enjoyed a breakout season and was recently rewarded with a call-up to Julian Nagelsmann's senior Germany squad (albeit only to train).

According to The Times, Gruda could cost in the region of €30m, which, though a significant fee, would still make him much cheaper than Sancho.