Transfer Talk: Sancho to exit Man United via Saudi Arabia as Dortmund deal hits snag
The summer transfer window has closed throughout Europe, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Sancho’s plan to swap Man United for Dortmund hits snag
The most probable route out of Manchester United for winger Jadon Sancho runs through Saudi Arabia due to Borussia Dortmund not being in the financial position to reunite with their former player, according to The Athletic.
The 23-year-old looks set to depart Old Trafford in January after a feud with manager Erik ten Hag regarding his conduct in training. The conflict has seen Sancho ostracised from the first-team and he hasn’t featured for Man United since August as a result.
Although the winger has failed to meet expectations at United since his £73m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has attracted interest from across Europe. However, his wages are reported to be a stumbling block for the interested parties within Europe.
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Sources had told ESPN that Dortmund were interested in bringing Sancho back, but now it appears they may not be able to afford to sign him. BVB reportedly cannot match his £200,000-a-week salary, which has left a move to Saudi Arabia as the most plausible option for the England international.
Sancho was strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia toward the end of the summer transfer window, but a move never materialised. Despite this, Saudi clubs are expected to come calling in January, with a deal likely suiting all parties.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, struggled to land several of his targets in the summer due to not being able to offload squad players. The manager is likely eager to ensure Sancho does depart in January, which would free up funds for United to land targets of their own in January.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Crystal Palace are confident of agreeing a new deal with winger Eberechi Eze despite Manchester City interest, according to the Evening Standard. The South London outfit are reportedly keen to extend the contracts of several stars at the club, including defender Marc Guehi, who has attracted the attention of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool. In the case of Eze, the report reveals that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the potential inclusion and value of the release clause the only issue remaining. The 25-year-old is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2025, which would leave Palace in a difficult situation next summer, if a new contract is not agreed upon.
– Juventus are monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, as well as keeping tabs on Tottenham Hotspur‘s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, according to Tuttosport. The Italian giants are desperate for midfield reinforcements in January following the bans of Paul Pogba and Nicolò Fagioli. However, the report reveals that Juventus are aware that any deal for De Paul would force the club to dig deep into their pockets, leading to the Italian side also considering a loan move for Højbjerg, who represents a cheaper option.
– Manchester City would need an offer of £80m to consider parting ways with forward Julián Álvarez, according to Football Insider. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona, after playing a more integral role for manager Pep Guardiola this season, netting seven goals and five assists in all competitions. However, in order for Man City to allow the Argentine to depart the club, the report indicates that any club interested will have to make an approach in the region of £80m to test the Premier League champions’ resolve.
– Lille forward Jonathan David is a priority target for AC Milan this January, with the Italian club keen on attacking reinforcements, per Gazzetta dello Sport. It is reported that Milan will make at least one approach in January for the Canada international, who is out of contract with the French outfit in 2025. The report reveals that Lille have dropped their asking price from €60m in the summer to €40m, which could tempt Milan into an approach as they look to add more firepower up front.
– Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is prepared to discuss a new long-term deal with the Cottagers, amid Tottenham and Monaco interest, per the Evening Standard. The 26-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, which would leave him free to reach a pre-contract agreement with other clubs from January onwards. However, the report reveals that the defender is now open to extending his deal with Fulham, who rejected an approach from Monaco in the summer.
