When Jadon Sancho was told by Manchester United to find a new club ahead of the Premier League opener, the English winger’s future turned into a whirlwind of speculation.
On Tuesday, AS Roma signalled its intent, putting a £20 million (£27 million) package on the table. Yet the club’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, publicly questioned the player’s motivation, effectively pausing talks. The saga highlights United’s rush to off‑load several fringe players before the summer deadline expires on September 1.
Background: From Hot Prospect to Transfer Outcast
Sancho arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 with a price tag of £73 million, hailed as a next‑generation star after dazzling spells with Borussia Dortmund. The reality turned sour; after an underwhelming debut season, he spent the last 18 months on loan – first at Dortmund, then at Chelsea. Chelsea paid a £5 million penalty to send him back in June when personal terms couldn’t be settled.
Since August 2023, Sancho has not featured in a competitive United match. He was omitted from the squad for the U.S. pre‑season tour and has trained away from Ruben Amorim’s first‑team group at the start of the new campaign.
Roma’s Offer and the Motivation Question
According to sources close to the negotiations, Roma presented United with a total package worth roughly £20 million – a sum that sits comfortably within the club’s budget for a player of Sancho’s former standing. Massara, however, was blunt in a press conference on Wednesday: “Sancho is a strong player, linked to all Italian teams. For now, he remains only a possibility because I don’t think the conditions are right, especially the motivation, to move forward with the deal.”
The comment sparked a flurry of reactions. Club insiders say Sancho’s recent training attitude appeared lackluster, while his representatives argue that the issue stems from agent fees and a strategic push toward free agency next summer.
Who Else Is Watching?
Beyond Roma, several clubs have drifted into the conversation:
- Juventus – the Turin giants see an opportunity to add flair to a midfield that has been thin after the sale of South American playmakers.
- Beşiktaş – the Turkish side reportedly sent a scouting report highlighting Sancho’s defensive work‑rate, hoping to sweeten a deal with performance bonuses.
- Borussia Dortmund – the club that launched Sancho’s senior career is said to be ready for a third spell, should the player desire a return to familiar surroundings.
- Aston Villa – with Leon Bailey on United’s radar, Villa could become a secondary target for Sancho if Roma walk away.
All of these suitors share a common hurdle: negotiating agent commissions that, according to insiders, could eclipse 10 % of the transfer fee.
United’s Summer Exodus: A Squad Overhaul in Motion
Sancho is just one piece of a larger puzzle for United. The club has placed Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia on the transfer list, each training separately from the first‑team squad.
The departures are part of manager Erik ten Hag’s vision to reshape a squad that finished seventh in the Premier League last season. Financial Fair Play constraints force United to balance the books, making the sale of high‑wage players like Sancho a priority.
What Lies Ahead: Deadline Pressure and Possible Outcomes
If Roma’s deal stalls, United could entertain a loan arrangement with an option to buy, preserving the £20 million fee while giving Sancho a chance to prove his commitment. Alternatively, the English forward may let his contract run out in June 2025, banking on a free‑transfer windfall that could double his earnings – a scenario his agents allegedly favour.
For Roma, missing out on Sancho would be a setback in their quest to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football. Their alternative target, Leon Bailey, remains on the market, but the winger commands a similar wage package, meaning Roma’s budgetary flexibility is already stretched.
Expert Take: Why Motivation Matters More Than Money
Football analyst Gabriele Marcotti points out that “a player’s drive to settle and perform is the most valuable asset in any transfer. Even a modest fee can become a liability if the individual lacks the desire to integrate.”
Marcotti adds that Sancho’s case mirrors past high‑profile moves where attitude outweighed talent – citing the 2020 loan of Romelu Luka Abramović from Juventus to AC Milan, which ultimately fizzled out due to a similar lack of commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the possible move affect Jadon Sancho’s international career?
Sancho remains eligible for England, but regular playing time is crucial for manager Gareth Southgate’s selection pool. A permanent transfer to a club where he can start week‑in, week‑out – whether Roma, Juventus or Dortmund – would boost his chances of featuring in Euro 2028 qualifiers.
Why is Roma hesitant despite offering £20 million?
Massara cites motivation as the key blocker. He worries that a player who hasn’t shown enthusiasm during training may struggle to adapt to Serie A’s tactical demands, potentially jeopardising Roma’s Champions League ambitions.
What are the financial implications for Manchester United if Sancho leaves on a free transfer?
United would forfeit the £20 million fee and still shoulder the remaining year of Sancho’s £120,000‑per‑week wages. The club would also miss out on a potential sell‑on clause that could have added a further £5 million if he moved abroad later.
Which club is most likely to close the deal before the deadline?
Juventus appears the most realistic suitor. They have already secured a €70 million budget for incoming transfers this window and are keen to add pace to a midfield lacking width. Their willingness to negotiate agent fees could tip the scales.
What does this transfer saga reveal about Manchester United’s broader strategy?
United’s push to off‑load under‑performing assets underscores a larger rebuild under Erik ten Hag. The club is prioritising squad cohesion and wage‑structure flexibility, even if it means accepting lower fees for players like Sancho, Garnacho and Malacia.
Jensen Santillan
October 7, 2025 AT 23:01Roma’s hesitation raises a classic case study in transfer psychology; the club’s due diligence extends beyond fiscal calculus to player psyche. When an athlete exhibits a muted training demeanor, it signals potential integration risks that no amount of capital can override. This isn’t merely a PR stunt-the tactical systems of Serie A demand relentless work‑rate, and a half‑hearted winger could derail campaign objectives. Moreover, the narrative of Sancho’s stalled development illustrates how lofty expectation can morph into complacency if the motivational engine sputters. In short, the Roma board is buying a gamble, not a guaranteed asset.