Jadon Sancho, the £73million ex-England international, has been offered a potential lifeline by Bayer Leverkusen as Chelsea prepares to pay a £5million penalty for reneging on their £25million obligation to purchase the winger at season’s end. According to a report by the Express, Manchester United is prepared to cut their losses on Sancho after learning that Chelsea is unlikely to exercise their option to sign him permanently following his year-long loan at Stamford Bridge.
The news has piqued the interest of Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, both of whom are keen to sign the 25-year-old winger. However, both clubs would require Sancho to take a pay cut from his current £250,000-a-week wage. Manchester United’s readiness to accept less than £20million for Sancho could make the deal feasible, with Leverkusen potentially using part of their expected windfall to outbid Dortmund for the winger.
Leverkusen, as reported by the Express, are keen to inject some creativity into their squad as they brace for life without coach Xabi Alonso and playmaker Florian Wirtz. Alonso is poised to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, while Wirtz, valued at over £100million, is being courted by both Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The German club can also offer Sancho Champions League football, something their rivals may struggle to do as they fight for a top-four finish.
Sancho had the most successful period of his career at Borussia Dortmund before transferring to Old Trafford four years ago, and he returned there on loan when his stint at United turned sour. As quoted in the Express, United manager Ruben Amorim has unequivocally stated that there is no future at the club for Sancho, Marcus Rashford or Antony – and the Reds are actively seeking ways to generate funds for a squad overhaul.
With only one year remaining on his contract come summer, Sancho’s market value is set to plummet further once Chelsea declares their plan to activate a clause, allowing them to abandon any commitment to purchase by compensating United with £5million. As the Express reports, this development has opened up a potential escape route for Sancho, who could find himself back in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen or Dortmund.
The potential move to Leverkusen or Dortmund would see Sancho return to a familiar environment, having previously enjoyed a successful spell at Dortmund. As noted by the Express, Sancho’s best form was on show during his time at Dortmund, where he established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. A return to the Bundesliga could be the catalyst for Sancho to reignite his career and prove himself as a top-class winger once again.
The situation surrounding Sancho’s future at Manchester United continues to unfold, with the Red Devils eager to offload the winger and free up space in their squad for new signings. As the Express previously reported, United are prepared to accept a reduced offer for Sancho, who has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. With Leverkusen and Dortmund circling, it remains to be seen which club will ultimately secure the services of the talented winger.
