Roma has formally submitted a £20 million offer for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho, according to sources close to the negotiations. The talented winger is among five players seeking to leave Old Trafford this summer, highlighting a significant exodus from the club.
United Weighing Options for Sancho
Manchester United are currently deliberating their options regarding Sancho, who spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea. During his time with the Blues, he played a crucial role in lifting the Conference League trophy, contributing five goals and ten assists across all competitions.
Chelsea had the chance to make Sancho’s move permanent for £25 million but opted instead to pay a £5 million penalty fee to decline the option. A transfer to Roma would see Sancho competing in Europa League football next season.
Financial Implications for Manchester United
The potential £20 million transfer would mark a staggering £53 million loss for United, who originally invested £73 million to bring Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. Sancho began his youth career at Manchester City before establishing himself as a star in Germany.
His time at Dortmund was remarkable, with 53 goals and 67 assists, showcasing him as one of Europe’s brightest talents. However, his career at United never quite lived up to those expectations, managing only five goals in his inaugural season.
Fallout with Erik ten Hag
Things took a downturn when Sancho had a fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag early in the 2023/24 campaign. After receiving criticism for his training performances, Sancho claimed he was being made a scapegoat, resulting in him being sidelined from the first team.
He went on to have a loan return to Dortmund during the second half of that season, where he reached the Champions League final. After his recent stint at Chelsea, it appears that Sancho’s chapter at Manchester United is nearing its end.
Roma’s Ambitions and Competition
Roma, who finished fifth in Serie A last season and narrowly missed Champions League qualification by just one point, are now under the direction of former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini. If Sancho were to join, he would face competition from current wingers such as Stephan El Shaarawy, Matias Soule, and Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson. However, he is likely to see more playing time than he would at Manchester United.
There has been considerable interest in the 25-year-old, with Fenerbahce and West Ham also showing their intent after Chelsea declined their purchase option. For a player whose transfer fee was greater than the price of a substantial house in central London, Sancho’s career path has certainly taken more twists and turns than a Sunday league winger after a heavy night at the pub!