The Peoples Person
·12 July 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Peoples Person
·12 July 2024
In an unexpected turn of events, controversial winger Jadon Sancho was spotted in Manchester United training on Friday, almost a year since he last kicked a ball for the club.
Last season, manager Erik ten Hag called the Englishman out for his below-par training displays which prompted an angry response from the player on social media.
His camp insinuated that the Dutchman had other favourites in the squad and Ten Hag demanded a public apology which was not forthcoming. Despite the efforts of his teammates, Sancho stood his ground and was eventually banished from the first team squad.
With no upturn in sight, the Red Devils decided to loan out the England international to his former club Borussia Dortmund in a bid to improve his flagging market value and put him up on the shop window.
After a mixed start, the versatile winger roared back into form, guiding the Bundesliga giants to an unlikely Champions League final, which they lost to Real Madrid.
His displays meant plenty of clubs were interested in his services. A return to United looked like it was not on the cards, especially when INEOS decided to hold on to the former Ajax coach.
The German club wanted to acquire the former Manchester City academy star but not on the terms United were proposing while Juventus were eyeing a loan deal, something the new co-owners were strictly against.
With no formal bids on the horizon, United seemingly completed a drastic U-turn with the 24-year-old rejoining his parent club with reports stating both the player and manager had “positive talks” and have decided to move on from last year’s problem.
This might indicate that United are now prepared to hold on to Sancho instead of selling him but that is not the case as per Sky reporter Patrick Berger.
He revealed that both Dortmund and Juventus are currently not in a financial position to pay the €45-50 million fee being asked by the 20-time English league champions.
But if they conduct sales in the coming days, a door could open. Both clubs are monitoring proceedings with even the player keen should an approach be made.
“Jadon Sancho and BVB – a return is currently not expected. Even if the player and Dortmund could well imagine to work together again. Both remain keen but the situation is difficult.
“The €45-50m price valuation of Manchester United is too high for Dortmund. Only a chance if they’d sell (eg Adeyemi or Malen). MUFC don’t want another loan deal. Sancho returned at Carrington today – seems like Erik ten Hag and Sancho are trying to move on.
“Juventus Turin interested and monitoring Jadon’s situation but the Italian club needs to sell first,” the journalist wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Sancho’s extended stay certainly looks possible now and United would benefit enormously from a fully-firing Sancho considering the problems United faced out wide last season.
But this might also be a clever ploy from INEOS to make it seem like they are not desperate to sell Sancho and will only do so if serious offers come their way. Either way, it is further good news for United fans on a day when Joshua Zirkzee is close to signing for his new club.
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