There is a growing chance of a Jadon Sancho transfer hijack after Juventus issue a bizarre stance on the Manchester United outcast.
Jadon Sancho is among five Manchester United players expected to leave the club this summer, following Rúben Amorim’s decision to exclude him from his plans.
As United’s first-team squad begin returning to Carrington for pre-season training this week—with players like Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount already back—many others are due to report on Thursday.
However, Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho have all been instructed to stay away from first-team training as they pursue moves away from Old Trafford. Rashford, though, has been spotted at Carrington training individually.
Sancho hasn’t featured for United since the summer of 2024, when he was loaned to Chelsea after a fallout with Erik ten Hag.
Although Chelsea held an obligation to buy him for £25 million, they opted instead to pay £5 million to cancel the deal, opening the door for Juventus, who are now in talks to sign the English winger.
Juventus issue bizarre stance on Sancho transfer
Juventus have reportedly been in close dialogue with both Sancho’s camp and United’s representatives for several weeks, with numerous reports from Italy indicating that the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of £21.5 million plus add-ons.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Sancho is close to agreeing on personal terms, including a salary of approximately £6 million plus bonuses.
However, despite Juvenuts being so close to finalising the transfer, Gianluca Di Marzio has broken the news that the winger is not their priority target, and that Porto’s Francisco Conceiçao, who spent last season on loan in Turin, is their favoured outlet, with Sancho a “plan B” signing.
However, it seems bizarre that Juventus would go all the way through to the point of agreeing a transfer fee with United and getting close to securing personal terms with the player himself if they were not intent on signing him.
Porto want Conceiçao’s £26 million release clause paid in full if they are to part ways with the Portuguese international this summer, and Di Marzio claims that the Serie A giants are now preparing a second proposal after their first was rejected two weeks ago.
However, if Juventus spend too long trying to secure the 22-year-old, they may miss out on Sancho entirely to one of their Italian rivals.
Napoli hijack of Sancho transfer is possible
Amid Juventus’ dithering interest in Sancho, Sky Sports transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth has explained that Napoli remains interested in the player, having enquired about Sancho earlier this window.
If Juventus don’t act promptly, Antonio Conte’s side may swoop in to hijack the deal as they already know the terms it would take to secure the 25-year-old.
“Juventus and Napoli remain interested in a deal for United forward Jadon Sancho,” Sheth explained on Wednesday afternoon.
“Both clubs have been made aware by United what fee it would take to sign Sancho- believed to be £25m, with the Serie A duo discussing terms with the England international’s representatives.
“Juve, though, have other forward targets this summer, including Porto’s Francisco Conceicao.
“The Portugal international was on loan last season in Turin and his current release clause is €30m, which Porto want paid up front in full.”
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