Jadon Sancho’s transfer saga: Any hope for United forward in Europe’s elite

Jadon Sancho’s career trajectory, once a soaring arc toward footballing stardom, has become a tale of unfulfilled potential and institutional mismanagement. At 25, the Manchester United winger finds himself at a crucial point, his reputation tarnished by public disputes, inconsistent performances, and a series of loan moves that have left him as an Old Trafford reject. Yet, despite his struggles, Sancho’s undeniable talent, beginning at Borussia Dortmund and briefly glimpsed in flashes at United and Chelsea suggests he still has a path to redemption at one of Europe’s top clubs. This piece is set to explore the factors that have derailed Sancho’s career, the systemic issues at Manchester United that exacerbated his struggles, and the realistic prospects for a revival at a top European side.

The rise and fall: From Dortmund prodigy to United outcast

Sancho’s early career was a masterclass in boldness and brilliance. At 17, he left Manchester City’s academy for Borussia Dortmund, a move that showcased his ambition and adaptability. Over four seasons in the Bundesliga, he amassed 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 appearances, winning the 2019 DFL-Supercup and the 2020-21 DFB-Pokal, where he was the tournament’s top scorer. His 2019-20 season—17 goals and 16 assists, made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects, with clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester United vying for his signature. United won the race in 2021, paying £73 million for a player expected to dominate the Premier League.

Yet, Sancho’s time at United has been a study in frustration. His first season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yielded just five goals and three assists, hampered by a struggling team and a positional mismatch, United deployed him on the right wing, despite his preference for the left, where Marcus Rashford held sway. The arrival of Erik ten Hag in 2022 promised a reset, but recurring issues with timekeeping, a problem noted during his Dortmund days strained their relationship. The breaking point came in September 2023, when Ten Hag publicly criticized Sancho’s training performances, prompting a now-deleted social media retort from Sancho accusing the manager of lying and scapegoating him. The fallout saw Sancho frozen out, training alone, and eventually loaned to Dortmund in January 2024.

His second Dortmund stint showed glimpses of his old spark; three goals and three assists in 21 games, culminating in a Champions League final appearance but fell short of his earlier heights. A subsequent loan to Chelsea in 2024/25, where he scored three goals and provided four assists in 31 Premier League games, ended with the Blues paying £5 million to avoid a £25 million obligation-to-buy clause, citing his high wages and inconsistent form. Now back at United under new manager Ruben Amorim, whose 3-4-3 system may not suit Sancho’s skill set, his future at Old Trafford looks bleak. Posts on social media reflect ongoing speculation about his next move, with Dortmund and Juventus linked, suggesting his market remains active despite his struggles.

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Criticizing United’s mismanagement and Sancho’s struggles

Sancho’s decline is not solely his fault but a product of systemic failures at Manchester United and his own missteps. United’s chaotic environment under Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick provided little stability for a young player transitioning from the Bundesliga’s fluidity to the Premier League’s intensity. Ten Hag’s hardline approach to discipline, while necessary for squad cohesion, failed to account for Sancho’s need for a supportive framework. The public nature of their 2023 dispute; Ten Hag’s blunt comments and Sancho’s social media outburst, was mishandled by both parties, amplifying a narrative of unprofessionalism that has unfairly defined Sancho’s tenure.

Sancho’s refusal to apologize to Ten Hag, as reported by ESPN, reflects a stubbornness that mirrors his teenage standoff with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he skipped training to force a move to Dortmund. This pattern of defiance, while a sign of self-belief, has cost him goodwill. His timekeeping issues, noted by multiple sources, further fueled perceptions of a lack of discipline, overshadowing his on-pitch contributions. Yet, United’s failure to integrate a player of Sancho’s profile, creative, direct, and best suited to a free-flowing system, points to a broader issue of tactical rigidity and poor player management. Deploying him on the right wing, despite his left-sided preference, and expecting instant adaptation to a dysfunctional squad was overlooked.

Can Sancho thrive at a top European club?

Despite his setbacks, Sancho’s talent makes him a viable candidate for Europe’s elite. His Dortmund record—73 goal contributions in 77 games across his first two full seasons—proves he can excel in the right environment. At 25, he is young enough to rebuild, but his next move will be critical. Several top clubs could offer the stability and tactical fit he needs:

Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

A third spell at Dortmund, where Sancho thrived under a system that encouraged creative freedom, is a strong possibility. Posts on social media indicate ongoing contact, with United seeking €18-20 million. New coach Niko Kovac’s 3-4-2-1 could see Sancho as a No. 10, though his structured approach might limit Sancho’s flair. Dortmund’s familiarity and attacking style make it a low-risk option, but financial constraints and Sancho’s high wages could complicate a permanent deal.

Juventus (Italy)

Juventus have emerged as a serious contender, with reports of a scheduled video call to discuss a transfer. The departure of wingers Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula to Nottingham Forest creates an opening, and Sancho’s versatility could suit Massimiliano Allegri’s fluid systems. Serie A’s slower pace might allow Sancho to rediscover his rhythm, though he’d need to adapt to Allegri’s tactical discipline. Napoli, another rumored destination, could also be a fit, especially given their history with dynamic forwards like Osimhen.

Lyon (France)

Lyon’s need for attacking reinforcements, with Alexandre Lacazette’s contract expiring and Rayan Cherki linked to Manchester City, makes them an intriguing option. Their possession-based style, combined with a league-high eight goals from direct attacks in 2024-25, aligns with Sancho’s strengths as a creator and dribbler. Playing alongside Georges Mikautadze, who drifts left, could mirror the support Sancho enjoyed from Cole Palmer at Chelsea.

AC Milan (Italy)

A move to Milan would be bolder, requiring Sancho to compete with Rafael Leao for a left-wing spot or adapt to a No. 10 role in Allegri’s 3-4-3. Milan’s attacking setup, bolstered by overlapping full-backs like Davide Bartesaghi, could unlock Sancho’s potential, though their summer upheaval and high expectations pose risks.

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Hurdles, solutions in Sancho transfer dilemma

Sancho’s high wages (£300,000 per week) and United’s reluctance to accept a low fee are significant hurdles. Any move will likely require a pay cut or a loan with a buy option, as seen with Chelsea and Dortmund. Tactically, Sancho thrives in systems that prioritize width and creativity, not rigid structures like Amorim’s 3-4-3 at United. His next club must offer a clear role and a supportive environment, as Dortmund did during his formative years.

Sancho must also address his own shortcomings. Improving his professionalism particularly timekeeping and embracing constructive criticism will be crucial. His social media outburst, while understandable, fueled a narrative of petulance that he must counter with maturity. A move abroad, where he previously thrived, could provide a fresh start, free from the Premier League’s intense scrutiny.

Conclusion

Jadon Sancho’s career is at a crossroads, but his talent remains undeniable. His struggles at Manchester United reflect a mismatch of expectations, tactics, and management styles, compounded by his own lapses. Yet, his Dortmund heroics and moments of brilliance on loan prove he can still shine at a top European club. Dortmund offers familiarity, Juventus and Napoli promise prestige, and Lyon or Milan could provide a fresh start. Sancho’s next move must be to a club that values his creativity and offers stability. If he can rediscover the confidence that made him Europe’s brightest prospect at 20, the winger who once dazzled the Bundesliga could yet light up the continent again. The question is not whether Sancho belongs at a top club, but whether he and his next team can align their ambitions to unlock the star he was always meant to be.