Jadon Sancho’s transfer to Juventus now appears to be “on hold” despite concrete links earlier in the window, as the Italian club are finalising deals for other targets.
Jadon Sancho joined Manchester United in the same summer as Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, after Ole Gunnar Solskjær pursued the winger for almost two years, but that was arguably the most exciting time of his United career.
The No. 25 struggled to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form while at Old Trafford, despite many feeling that he would eventually begin to perform, especially when Erik ten Hag became the manager.
He showed glimpses of his real quality under the Dutch manager, but was never consistent enough to demand a first-team place over Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side or Antony on the right.
In truth, Sancho’s best spell in a United shirt came when Rashford became a striker when Antony first joined the club. The English winger preferred playing on the left side, but the emergence of Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho, along with Rashford, made it almost impossible for him to play there.
While on loan at Chelsea, he again showed his true quality, but perhaps not enough, as the London-based club chose to pay £5 million not to keep Sancho, rather than the £25 million to keep him in blue.
Juventus move “on hold” for Sancho
Until a few days ago, Sancho’s move to Juventus appeared nailed on, after the Italian club submitted an improved offer of close to £15 million, getting closer to United’s valuation of £25 million.
However, a report from Gianluca Di Marzio has said that “the deal is now on hold”, despite the interest earlier in the window, but they have not dropped out of the Sancho hunt just yet.
Perhaps, Juventus may have put negotiations “on hold” to secure the signing of Francisco Conceição from Porto. The Portuguese winger spent last season on loan in Turin, but the Italian club are only finalising a permanent deal now.
Another deal Juventus are focusing on is the sale of Samuel Mbangala, who looks set to join Werder Bremen after spending five years in Italy, following his move from Belgium.
The Old Lady will have to act quickly if they want to sign Sancho, as Inter Milan have also expressed interest in the United winger, having made contact with both the player and the Red Devils.
Similarly, it has been suggested that Premier League club Nottingham Forest have turned their attention to Sancho, having reportedly enquired about the conditions of a deal after losing Elanga to Newcastle United for £55 million.
Sancho deal on the back burner
Now that United have finally announced the signing of Bryan Mbeumo, it appears director of football Jason Wilcox will turn his attention to outgoings, before moving for a striker or a goalkeeper later in the window.
Read More: Revealed: Why Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer went silent for three weeks, it gave Man Utd negotiating power
Sancho is just one of several former first-team players who need to leave United before the window closes this summer, with only Rashford looking close to a move away, but that is initially on a loan deal.
Antony and Garnacho will also be looking for transfers after being excluded from Amorim’s squad, but neither has come close to reaching an agreement with a new club, despite United leaving for their pre-season tour on Tuesday.
Another name on United’s exit list will be Tyrell Malacia, while he could play backup to Patrick Chinazaekepere Dorgu. That role looks to be saved for Diego Leon after Harry Amass was confirmed to be leaving on loan.
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