Manchester United have confirmed that Jadon Sancho is set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.
Sancho exit
It would be an enormous understatement to say Sancho was a disappointing signing for United. After two years of chasing him, United finally secured his services in the summer of 2021 from Borussia Dortmund, in a deal worth £73m.
At the time, he was regarded as one of the best wingers in world football and the expectations on him were high.
The transition to United proved anything but smooth. Plagued by difficulties both on and off the pitch, Sancho then fell out spectacularly with Erik ten Hag. The result? United loaned him back to Dortmund in 2024, where he spent the remainder of the campaign.
He also had a loan spell at Chelsea, who opted against their obligation to sign him by paying United a penalty fee of £5m. He spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Aston Villa but much like Chelsea, he has not pulled up any trees at the Birmingham outfit.
It was expected that United would release him, rather than trigger the one-year extension clause on his contract. This has now been confirmed by the club.
United have said in a statement, “Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho are among those departing, as their contracts come to an end.”
“Jadon Sancho arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 and was also part of the 2023 Carabao Cup-winning side. The winger played 83 times for the club before he returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan and also made temporary moves to Chelsea and Aston Villa.”
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Casemiro, Tyrell and Jadon for their contributions to Manchester United and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Academy updates
United have also announced that there are some academy stars who will leave, with others in line for new contracts.
Goalkeeper Dermot Mee will be offered a fresh deal, while academy trio Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe will part ways with the Red Devils this summer.
United add, “The Academy is proud of all of our departing young players throughout the age groups. Each of them will be supported in securing contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.”
“Professional Development Phase defenders Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett are expected to sign their first professional terms with United in July.”
| Category | Position | Players | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U24 (as of 30 June) | Goalkeepers | Elyh Harrison, Solomon Honor, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee*, Will Murdock, Radek Vitek | |
| Defenders | Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Patrick Chinazaeikpere Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Louis Jackson, Jaydan Kamason, Diego Leon, Reece Munro, Habeeb Ogunneye, James Overy, Leroy Yoro | ||
| Midfielders | Toby Collyer, Jacob Devaney, Jayce Fitzgerald, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Dan Gore, Amir Ibragimov, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Finley McAllister, Jack Moorhouse, Jim Thwaites | ||
| Forwards | Amad, Gabriele Biancheri, Ethan Ennis, Enzo Kana-Biyik, Shea Lacey, Samuel Lusale, Bendito Mantato, Ashton Missin, Victor Musa, Chido Obi, Benjamin Sesko, James Scanlon, Ethan Wheatley, Ethan Williams | ||
| Over 24 (as of 30 June) | Goalkeepers | Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana | |
| Defenders | Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw | ||
| Midfielders | Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte | ||
| Forwards | Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee | ||
| Scholars | Goalkeepers | Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Charlie Hardy, Fred Heath, Zachary Watson | |
| Defenders | Yuel Helfau, Godwill Kukonki, Albert Mills*, Dante Plunkett*, Jayden Ngwashi, Jacob Watson | ||
| Midfielders | Rafe McCormack, Jay McEvoy, Jariyah Shah | ||
| Forwards | Noah Ajayi, Neithan Barbosa, Louie Bradbury, Nathaniel-Junior Brown |
United’s full attention will now shift to the upcoming transfer window and pre-season planning.
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