Jadon Sancho is out of contract at Manchester United this summer when his loan spell at Aston Villa ends, but the former England international could make a career U-turn
Borussia Dortmund are keen to bring Jadon Sancho back to the club on a free transfer from Manchester United. Sancho, 25, sees his United contract expire this summer and appears unlikely to receive a fresh deal.
The 23-time England international is presently on loan at Aston Villa, marking his third temporary departure from Old Trafford since his £73million arrival in 2021. Sancho’s move to Villa was a straight loan arrangement, with no purchase option included.
Despite Villa manager Unai Emery recently suggesting he might retain the winger, Dortmund are hovering. The Times reports that having opted against pursuing wingers last summer – owing to Nico Kovac’s preference for a 3-4-2-1 system – the Dortmund boss has had a change of heart and sanctioned a swoop for Sancho.
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The United outcast would, though, be required to accept a substantial reduction from his £300,000-per-week United salary to facilitate a Signal Iduna Park comeback. Sancho established his reputation with the German outfit, who recruited him from Manchester City in 2017.
Kovac’s squad have funds available for the summer window having allowed Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule and Salih Ozcan’s contracts to expire. Dortmund will consequently save approximately £21million in yearly wages and remain confident they can persuade Sancho, who’s entitled to agree pre-contract terms with overseas clubs.
The 25-year-old returned to Dortmund for half a season in 2024 after being sidelined by former United manager Erik ten Hag. Sancho aided them in reaching the Champions League final, but the German club never made a permanent transfer happen.
A similar scenario unfolded when Sancho was loaned to Chelsea last season, with the Blues even shelling out a £5million penalty fee to avoid signing him on a permanent basis. Villa secured his services on transfer deadline day in September, but he’s again failed to make a mark.
In 29 appearances across all competitions, Sancho has notched up one goal and one assist. Nonetheless, Emery sees promise in him.
When asked in February if he’d contemplated signing Sancho on a permanent deal, the Villa boss responded: “Not yet, but he is a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by increasing his qualities in our structure like he is doing.
“He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here. If he plays his best football, we will want him. But also other teams could be involved in the interest for him.”