Fresh Sancho problem looms for Man Utd
Robin Bairner
- 18 Nov 2023 01:58 CST
- 4 min read
Manchester United want Jadon Sancho’s future to be resolved during the January transfer window, but there is a danger that the issues surrounding the 23-year-old drag on until the summer due to a stance that the former Borussia Dortmund player is set to take.
Sancho has not played for Man Utd since August following a spectacular falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, which has seen him denied the opportunity to train with the first team.
It is an issue that even Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover looks unlikely to resolve, with the new owner on a "collision course" with Ten Hag over the worry.
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A transfer appears the only solution to resolve the impasse as things stand, making January a pivotal time of the season for the winger, yet there is a very real danger that he turns down one of the few possible exit routes open to him.
The Saudi Pro League appears the likeliest option for Sancho to take if he wants to leave Old Trafford, yet after turning down the big-spending state in the summer, 90Mins has revealed that Sancho remains “unconvinced” it is the best thing for his career to move at this juncture.
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Where does Sancho want to move?
Sancho has made it clear, via his agents, that he wants to retain control of his future and will not be forced out to simply any club to make the life of Man Utd and Ten Hag easier. And this could mean that he turns down the opportunity of joining former Old Trafford teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
The issue for Sancho, though, is that there are likely to be few other destinations both willing and able to welcome him back.
A return to Borussia Dortmund has been touted as one potential avenue the player is interested in taking, but his high wages alone will pose the Bundesliga side a major problem before the issue of a loan or transfer fee is tackled. Sancho is willing to take a pay cut for the move but it still promises to be a difficult operation for BVB.
Sancho's transfer value over time
Similarly, Juventus are interested in the player but cannot get close to the financial requirements to sign him.
Man Utd, meanwhile, in looking for a solution to this Sancho problem, are exploring the possibility of an 18-month loan deal, yet where the player ends up is still unclear.
