Transfer Update: Jadon Sancho Set For Borussia Dortmund Return

Jadon Sancho could be set for a return to Borussia Dortmund after reports suggest ongoing discussions with Manchester United.

The Athletic suggest that Dortmund is interested in bringing the 23-year-old back to club on loan. Sancho made the marquee move from the Bundesliga to Old Trafford in the Summer of 2021 with Dortmund pocketing €85m. Two and a half years later, Sancho finds himself outcasted from the United playing squad and on the brink of departure.

Where did it go wrong for Jadon Sancho?

Finally making the move

United’s interest in Sancho long predates the summer of his arrival, which is what makes his impending exit all the more sour. The Summer of 2020 is when tangible links materialised. United were high off a third-place finish and Sancho had spent three years tearing it up in Germany. At the end of the 19/20 Sancho had recorded 20 goals and 20 assists for the season. His remarkable campaign was matching the likes of Lionel Messi and Bruno Fernandes whow were the only other two to record 20+ goals and assists. So when United had to solve their right wing issues, signing Sancho made sense.

In a typical fashion, United were unable to get a deal for Sancho over the line. Instead the winger spent an additional season in Germany. This time his 16 goals and 20 assists led to an end-of-season DFB Pokal trophy celebration. His brace and assist in the final against RB Leipzig in the final was a fitting end to his time in Dortmund.

THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER. @ManUtd ???? pic.twitter.com/k4rEbNYmdg

— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) July 24, 2021

The wait was finally over and Sancho had signed for United. In between the cup final win and the putting pen to paper on a United deal, Sancho had missed a penalty that saw England lose the EURO 2020 final. The confidence that saw him thrive in the Bundesliga had been dented on the eve of his much anticipated move to the Premier League.

Sancho’s form and absences

Sancho’s pre-season was disjointed due to illness so he missed United’s training camps and was on the bench for the season opener. The slow start didn’t speed up and Sancho’s first season didn’t meet expectations.

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His second season brought greater optimism under new management. 21/22 was a turbulent one at United for all involved so there was some hope under Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag had been famed for his development of youth and Sancho fit that mould. The hope was he could build on his eight goal contributions from the previous season. Sancho actually kickstarted the Ten Hag’s era at United with an opening goal against Liverpool. That game was the Dutchman’s first win as United manager and the ex-Ajax man would then inspire a top four finish. During that season though, Sancho took a spell on the sidelines to focus on his mental health. Sancho had taken to the Netherlands to train individually in a move by Ten Hag to improve the wingers wellbeing. Sancho returned in time to be involved in United’s cup win but his for remained inconsistent.

Rift with Erik ten Hag

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At the start of the 23/24 season feelings around Sancho had been as positive as they’d ever had been. Sancho had a strong pre-season playing as a false-9 and all indications suggested Ten Hag had found a role for him.

However, despite Sancho’s promising form, United started the season and Sancho was on the bench. When United travelled to Arsenal Sancho was out of the squad completely. Ten Hag said his training form was to blame for his absence but Sancho took to social media in protest.

“Please don’t believe everything you read, I will not allow people to say things that are completely untrue. he said I have conducted myself in training very well this week. 

“I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!

“All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to the team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and I am grateful to do so, which I know every week is a challenge.” He added. I’ll continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”

Sancho’s statement was taken down but the winger has remained expelled from all first team activity. The outcasted winger has been away from United’s first team training as the club awaited a resolution on a ‘disciplinary issue’.

The pair seemingly haven’t been able to settle their differences and Sancho now faces an exit from the club.