Manchester United has made it clear that they will not let Jadon Sancho depart on the cheap if he decides to move in January, according to a source from ESPN. Despite being exiled from the first-team squad after his public dispute with manager Erik ten Hag, offers for the England forward are being considered. Clubs such as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in Sancho, but United is determined to minimize the financial impact of his departure. The club’s management is well aware that rival clubs will try to take advantage of Sancho’s situation and offer to take him on loan while asking United to shoulder a significant portion of his £300k-a-week wage.
While United has not ruled out the option of accepting a temporary deal for Sancho, they would require a significant contribution to his salary and ideally, a loan fee. The 23-year-old player, who joined United in a £73 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, is under contract until 2026 with an option for another year. However, the resolution of this situation hinges on an apology from Sancho, which he has so far refused to provide. Ten Hag has asked the England forward to publicly and privately apologize for disputing the reasons behind his exclusion from the first-team squad during the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in September.
United’s football director John Murtough and other club executives have expressed their support for Ten Hag’s stance on the matter. According to sources, the Dutchman is unlikely to soften his stance, even if incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team review the situation. Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the club for an estimated £1.3 billion is currently underway, and figures from INEOS, including Sir Dave Brailsford, are expected to take up key roles. Despite the potential change in ownership structure, Ten Hag will continue to seek an apology from Sancho, both privately and publicly, before considering if there is any way back for the talented forward at United.
The situation surrounding Jadon Sancho’s potential departure highlights the power dynamics at play between clubs and players. United, understandably, seeks to protect its financial interests and reduce the impact of Sancho’s exit. On the other hand, Sancho, who has not played since August, desires a resolution that allows him to continue his football career elsewhere. The standoff between the club and the player reflects the complexities of modern football transfers and the negotiation tactics adopted by major clubs. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, and if a compromise can be reached between Manchester United and Jadon Sancho.
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