Manchester United: There yet another twist in the Jadon Sancho saga

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has coveted Jadon Sancho for a long time.

In a series of sensational stories surrounding Jadon Sancho, the latest development could prove to be crucial for Manchester United’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger. The 20-year-old is envisaged as a vital attacking figure in Solskjaer’s squad.

Having tried to lure Sancho to Old Trafford last summer, Man United were given a firm no as the England international chose to continue his development in Bundesliga for the next 12 months. Instead, the Reds’ hierarchy chose to sign Daniel James from Swansea City.

With another prolific season under his belt, Jadon Sancho felt the time was suitable to consider a new challenge this summer. Man United, sniffing an opportunity, started their preliminary advances via player’s entourage.

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Despite Manchester United’s concrete interest in the English prodigy, Champions League football was touted as a crucial factor in a bid to convince Sancho to pursue Solskjaer’s project. A major hurdle was crossed when the Red Devils secured the third league spot on the last game day.

Previously, an array of European superpowers- Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United- were hovering around Dortmund to secure the services of Jadon Sancho. But, COVID-19 pandemic has had severe consequences on the football industry.

Lack of matchday revenue has caused a severe dent to the financial model of several clubs, thereby nullifying the chances of sparking a bidding war for Dortmund. Among the aforementioned clubs, Man United have prioritised Sancho this summer.

Ideally, no clubs would have hesitated in matching Dortmund’s valuation of €120million for Jadon Sancho. But, in the current financial climate, the United boardroom has baulked at Der BVB’s demands since initiating dialogues via intermediaries.

Given the consensus among the parties involved to reach an agreement allowing Sancho to leave for Old Trafford, Man United proposed an amortised payment structure- comprising potential add-ons and instalments- reaching up to €120m(€70m+€30m+€20m over three years). Also, it is learnt that the 20-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Reds.

As things stand, both clubs remain apart in their valuation of Sancho, with Dortmund insisting the deal is off, as the Reds have passed the artificial “deadline” of August 10. Manchester United are said to be frustrated by the tedious progress in talks via third-parties, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

From United’s perspective, they want Jadon Sancho to agitate for a move away to inject impetus at Dortmund’s end- which, so far, has been dormant, as per The Independent. It is understood that a stirring factor is needed to reignite the dialogues which have hit the deadlock in the past few days.

Ed Woodward has not given up the hope of signing the player, yet, as both clubs have to compromise a difference of just £10m. There is a wide-spread concord that Michael Zorc’s latest comments are nothing but a gimmick to create a panic in United camp.

Nonetheless, the transfer deadline is October 5 and Jadon Sancho saga is not getting over anytime soon.

Do you think Jadon Sancho will sign for Manchester United?