Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has reportedly been dealt a massive blow in his bid to secure a dream reunion with Borussia Dortmund.
Exit imminent
Sancho is set to leave United at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract.
United had the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months and potentially try to make some money from his exit, but the club opted to release him as a free agent.
To say he has been underwhelming since his big-money move to United from Dortmund in July 2021 would be a massive understatement. He managed just 12 goals and six assists in 79 appearances across all competitions for the club.
Sancho took a three-month break in the autumn of 2022 due to personal problems. Having then fallen out of favour with Erik ten Hag following their bitter public spat, he was loaned to Dortmund for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. He enjoyed a slight uptick in form in Germany, helping the side reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Real Madrid.
However, Dortmund passed on a permanent deal and Sancho spent the entirety of last term on loan at Chelsea. However, after failing to impress at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea paid United £5m to waive their obligation to sign him permanently.
There was intense speculation over his future last summer as United attempted to sell him, but the club eventually had to settle for another loan deal to Aston Villa. Like at Chelsea, he hasn’t pulled up any trees at Villa.
But there have been rumours that Villa are open to keeping him if the financials involved make sense. Sancho is said to prefer a second return to Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit have previously declared that they are also keen on having the forward back.
However, in a stunning twist, it has now emerged that Dortmund have “cooled” their interest in the 26-year-old due to a change in transfer strategy.
Sancho blow
Sky Germany reveal that Dortmund are working with a tight budget heading into the summer window.
Dortmund plan to stick with their successful three-at-the-back system, meaning they are less interested in traditional wingers and more in a ‘number 10’ who can drift wide.
Sky Germany say, “Therefore, the Jadon Sancho transfer saga is currently on hold. The trail has cooled somewhat.”
“However, Sancho remains a topic that could drag on until late summer.”
“New sporting director Book is working intensively behind the scenes on potential signings. Sky Sport knows some of the names on the list.”
Dortmund are exploring deals for the likes of Kennet Eichhorn (Hertha BSC), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Matt O’Riley (Brighton & Hove Albion), Samuel Martinez (Nacional U20), Vasilije Kostov (Red Star Belgrade) and Matias Fernandez Pardo (OSC Lille).
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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