Sancho joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal with no option to buy.placeholder image
Sancho joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal with no option to buy. | Aston Villa FC
Manchester United agreed a number of deadline day exits that have helped them balance the books at Old Trafford
Another transfer window has passed by Manchester United and despite making just one signing on deadline day - it could prove to be the most decisive 24 hours for the club.
Antony returned to Real Betis on a permanent deal while Jadon Sancho joined Aston Villa on loan. The ex-Borussia Dortmund man had left Old Trafford for Chelsea last summer. He moved to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
However, the Blues opted to pay a £5m financial penalty to United to send Sancho back to Manchester in June as they could not come to an agreement over wages. Sancho was in talks with the likes of Juventus and AS Roma this summer but the player’s wages proved to be a major stumbling block as those deals did not materialise as he did not want to reduce his salary.
Man Utd agree two key clauses to avoid complete financial disaster over Jadon Sancho
Up until deadline day, United were facing the prospect of having Sancho remaining at the club on a high wage while not being wanted as part of the senior team.
Manchester World understands that Villa will cover 80 per cent of the player’s wages and pay a loan fee. While United wanted Sancho completely off the books for a permanent deal of around £21m, offloading him and most of his wage is better than nothing.
A loan fee will also go towards balancing the books after they spent over £200m this summer. Manchester World also understands that United have agreed achievable bonuses that for Sancho’s loan that will see them get full wage coverage by the time the campaign comes to an end.
Jadon Sancho out of contract in 2026 as Man Utd finally wave goodbye
Sancho is out of contract at Old Trafford next summer, and while a permanent exit in the most recent window would have been preferable - getting most of his wages off the books and banking a loan fee is better than keeping him in Manchester where he would take up a big chunk of the salary bill. It also helps them avoid a complete financial disaster as they look to stay in line with PSR rules.
Paying full wages for a player who did not want to be at the club was a lose-lose for all involved, so a late resolution - even if not a permanent exit - will still be welcomed.
Next summer, United will no longer have this headache as Sancho’s contract comes to an end.
“When I spoke to the manager he gave me belief and confidence,” he said of his move to Villa.
“He showed me the plan of what they want to achieve this year and it really inspired me.
“He definitely persuaded me, and I can’t wait to work under him.
“As a player and especially as a team, we have to be achieving big things.
“We have to be looking towards that, and hopefully I can help the team to achieve some of those goals.
“The team comes first, so whenever the manager needs me I’ll be ready.”
Continue Reading