Manchester United are actively seeking a permanent transfer for winger Jadon Sancho this summer, prioritizing a full sale over loan options as they aim to offload the 25-year-old, who has no place in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The decision follows Chelsea’s refusal to make Sancho’s season-long loan permanent, opting instead to pay a £5 million penalty to return him to Old Trafford after failing to agree on personal terms, particularly regarding his £300,000-per-week salary.
Sancho, signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021, has struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form at United, managing only 12 goals in 83 appearances.
His tenure was marred by a public fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag, leading to a loan return to Dortmund in January 2024, where he helped reach the Champions League final.
Despite a brighter spell at Chelsea, where he scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 42 games, including a goal in their UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis, his inconsistency and high wages deterred a permanent move.
Italian champions Napoli have emerged as early contenders to sign Sancho, eyeing him as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed in January.
However, sources indicate Napoli is unwilling to match his current salary, a significant stumbling block in negotiations.
Other clubs, including Premier League sides Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Tottenham, as well as Serie A’s AC Milan and Roma, are also reportedly in the race, with Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce monitoring developments.
Borussia Dortmund, where Sancho thrived from 2017 to 2021, has downplayed a third spell, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl stating, “We have other priorities at the moment.”
United’s urgency to resolve Sancho’s future stems from Amorim’s squad overhaul, with new signings like Matheus Cunha from Wolves and potential deals for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo signalling a shift away from wingers in his 3-4-3 system.
The club is keen to avoid another loan, which could see Sancho leave for free in 2026 when his contract expires, and is even considering extending his deal to include an obligation-to-buy clause in any loan agreement.
Fans were frustrated, with some calling United’s handling of Sancho a “mess” and others urging a swift resolution before the team’s pre-season tour in July.
As negotiations continue, Sancho’s high wages remain a key hurdle, with potential suitors like Saudi clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr also linked, offering a possible lifeline.
