Jadon Sancho has had another season full of noise and little reward. After spending the year on loan at Chelsea, his future is once again under the spotlight, with no clear direction. Manchester United do not seem to have him in their plans, and the urgent need to make money has accelerated the rumours about his departure. With the summer transfer window still to open, the board is beginning to move. Chelsea are still hesitant to exercise their £25m option to buy him, while signals are coming from Germany that could revive a connection that once worked well for the England winger.
No escape route for Jadon Sancho?
The Mirror have reported that Bayer Leverkusen’s interest is emerging as a possible escape route, but the situation is complicated by the shadow of Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach, who appears to be in pole position to replace Xabi Alonso, does not exactly have a good history with Sancho. Their relationship broke down publicly at Old Trafford, when the player was dropped from the squad over differences that never healed. That fracture weighs heavy, and if ten Hag takes over at Leverkusen, the path for Sancho could be closed immediately. It would not be logical for a club to bet on a player who has no place in the idea of the next coach.
The whole mess again reflects the structural chaos at Manchester United. From top to bottom, the club have lost their way. Having players like Sancho, Rashford or Antony on the exit list is not only a sign of failure in planning, but a warning that the cycle needs to be closed with tough decisions. Selling Sancho seems inevitable, but the club must act with more than economic urgency. They need a coherent sporting project. If they sell just to raise money, they run the risk of repeating the same mistake in the next window. Moreover, if Chelsea do not execute the purchase, United will once again be left with a depreciated asset, difficult to place and with a heavy salary. The only way to find a way out will be to take a loss or look for trades.
Jadon Sancho to Bayer Leverkusen in jeopardy thanks to former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Could Erik ten Hag’s influence prevent Jadon Sancho’s potential move to Bayer Leverkusen, keeping the Manchester United outcast at Old Trafford?
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However, looking at the case only from Manchester or from the Leverkusen dressing room leaves blind spots. There is a German perspective that should not be ignored. In the Bundesliga, Sancho still carries weight; his time at Dortmund is still fondly remembered. In a comfortable environment, without undue media pressure, Sancho could shine again. If Leverkusen want to stay in contention with Bayern and Dortmund, they will need depth and quality on the flanks. Although ten Hag has the final say if he takes over, the board could go for professional reconciliation if they think it is worth it. And Sancho, if he wants to save his career, will have to show maturity to adapt to any situation.
The saddest thing of all is that this player was once considered a jewel of English football. Today, his future depends more on old injuries than on his performance. United must learn; not just let go, but build better. And for Sancho, perhaps, returning to Germany – with or without ten Hag – is his only way out of oblivion.