Juventus are reportedly willing to offer Manchester United one of their £25 million players in a swap for Jadon Sancho, but this could trigger talks for a different “world-class” star.
In the final stretch of the 2024 summer transfer window, Jadon Sancho left Manchester United to join Chelsea on a season-long loan.
The deal initially included an obligation for Chelsea to make the transfer permanent in summer 2025 for £25 million, though it was later revealed they could back out by paying a £5 million release clause.
Sancho had been exiled by Erik ten Hag and sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund before being brought back into the United squad in July 2024. However, lingering uncertainty over his future led to his eventual departure.
During his time at Chelsea, Sancho made 41 appearances, scoring five goals and providing ten assists, including a well-taken goal in the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.
In the end, Chelsea opted not to pursue a permanent deal, instead triggering the £5 million clause to send him back to Old Trafford.
Juventus willing to engage in Sancho swap deal
Although Chelsea did not view Sancho’s time with them as enough to warrant paying the £25 million fee, his 15 goal contributions have seen him become of interest to a few clubs across Europe.
Napoli, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Borussia Dortmund have all been linked, while it seems as if Juventus are the latest club to enter the race, having monitored the winger over the last 12 months.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, it is becoming an increasingly likely scenario that Juventus, a club Sancho appreciates, could offer United their struggling striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.
Other reports have confirmed that the Serbian 25-year-old is available for transfer this summer for around £25 million, a similar fee to what United are demanding for Sancho, making a swap deal a feasible option.
Vlahovic himself is reportedly very keen to make a switch to United happen this summer, although his wage of in excess of £300,000 a week is far too high for the club to sign off on.
Talks could resume for a different “world-class” player
However, as mentioned by Gazzetta dello Sport, there is a real possibility that talks between United and Juventus surrounding Sancho could re-open discussions surrounding Douglas Luiz.
The former Aston Villa midfielder is seeking an exit from Turin this summer, and it was confirmed that, before Juventus sacked former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, the two clubs were working on a swap deal that would see the “world-class” midfielder head to Old Trafford, with Antony going in the other direction.
United are in desperate need of a new midfielder this summer, and head coach Rúben Amorim is emphasising signing players with successful Premier League experience, hence the signing of Matheus Cunha and the continued pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.
Luiz is 27 with 125 Premier League appearances under his belt, and before his move to Juventus, was heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal. If Sancho can be used to supplement the funds for him, signing the Brazilian could be just what Amorim needs.
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