How Manchester United can still get a fee for Jadon Sancho next summer, despite the Englishman’s contract running out after his loan at Aston Villa is finished
Manchester United generated substantial funds in the final week of the summer transfer window as Rúben Amorim reshaped his squad.
The club’s biggest departure so far is Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Chelsea for £40 million, though that figure could soon be surpassed by Rasmus Højlund’s potential permanent switch to Napoli.
The striker has joined Antonio Conte’s side on a season-long loan worth £5 million, with an obligation to buy for £38 million if Napoli secure Champions League qualification.
United also parted ways with Antony, who moved to Real Betis for £21.7 million plus 50% of any future sale. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford sealed a loan move to Barcelona, with the Spanish giants holding an option to make the deal permanent for around £30 million next summer.
Jadon Sancho also left on a season-long loan, joining Aston Villa. The Midlands club have paid an undisclosed loan fee and will cover between 80-100% of his wages, depending on performance bonuses.
United still need to decide on Sancho contract extension
Going into his final 12 months at the club, it was always going to be a priority for United to secure some fee for Sancho. However, with the deal being a straight loan, it has sparked concern that he could leave for free after his loan deal expires.
However, United hold the option to trigger an optional extra year in his deal, which could see them recoup some of the fee they spent on the 25-year-old.
As reported by United in Focus, via Graeme Bailey, Sancho’s contract situation won’t be resolved on deadline day, with the loan deal being completed the main priority.
“Sancho is done between the two clubs now, as we revealed talks began on Sunday, and now it is done between the clubs,” Bailey said.
“I am told he relationship that Villa and United have has helped this deal – it is very similar to Marcus Rashford deal.
“He is going to join on loan as finer details are worked on, but I am told United will still have the option to extend Sancho’s deal – he has one year left on his current deal, but with an option. Sancho is happy to make the move.”
United could choose to let Sancho leave for free
United wanted around £20-25 million for Sancho this summer, with Chelsea willing to pay the initial £25 million obligation to sign him struck in 2024 before he failed to reach an agreement on personal terms.
Roma then indicated a willingness to pay around £20 million for the player, although Sancho decided he did not want to move to Italy.
While extending his contract by a further season would allow United to secure a possible transfer fee, albeit a low one, next summer for the winger, there is the possibility that, if Sancho were to continue refusing a permanent move, they could have to commit to paying his wages for yet another season.
It may be better to let Sancho see out the final season of his contract at Old Trafford while on loan with Villa, as this would guarantee that the player is no longer the club’s issue when they plan for the 2026 summer window.
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