Jadon Sancho: Dortmund star was ‘prepared’ for Man United switch

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 3 min read

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that Jadon Sancho’s sluggish form this season is likely down to the distraction caused by his failed summer move to Manchester United.

The Englishman had reportedly agreed personal terms with the Red Devils but the clubs could not agree on a fee as Dortmund held out for a figure of around £100million.

And Watzke told Kicker that Sancho was mentally in Manchester at the start of the season and that his form has suffered as a result.

“Subconsciously, Jadon had probably already prepared a little for a change,” he said.

“I think he had at least thought so much about it that he lost his ease.”

The former Manchester City youth product looked some way back towards his best at the weekend, registering a goal and an assist to guide Dortmund past fellow top four hopefuls Wolfsburg.

Sancho has only scored the one goal in his 12 Bundesliga appearances while adding four assists.

On face value those numbers don’t seem the worst in the world, but considering the 20-year-old had 17 goals and 16 assists in 32 games last season, he is certainly falling short in this campaign.

Jadon Sancho: This season compared to last

Watzke hailed the No.7 as “still one of the greatest talents there is” and admitted Sancho has been guilty of thinking too much as a result of the botched transfer.

“The biggest difference is that he used to not think about his next ball action,” he said.

“The more you try as a creative person, the more difficult it often becomes.”

Dortmund will be hoping Sancho’s performance against Wolfsburg will serve as a launchpad for future success as they look to climb further up the table, and with Erling Haaland returning from injury the opportunity is there for the pair to strike up a partnership again.

The club chief said that Sancho just needs a couple more moments like the weekend before he is back to his best.

“I think he needs two or three success stories in a row, then things will quickly improve again,” Watzke said.

Dortmund will next face a tough trip to RB Leipzig, and head coach Edin Terzic will be eager to have Sancho in fine form with a win set to move his side three points away from second place.

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