Napoli have ‘categorically denied’ comments from their sporting director as Jadon Sancho’s transfer saga takes another twist.
Having completed a full season at rival Premier League side Chelsea, the London club decided against the permanent signature of Jadon Sancho, resulting in the 25-year-old returning to Manchester United.
Chelsea decided it was best to pay £5million in order to send Sancho back to Manchester, which has left the English winger needing to seek a new club elsewhere this summer, as it is clear he isn’t in Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Since then, suggestions of moving to Napoli or Juventus have emerged, whilst links to Fenerbahce have also been introduced. Links to Napoli were starting to increase in traction, but there has recently been a new twist in the story.
Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna spoke on Sancho’s wage demands, or so we thought, until recent reports have came out to ‘categorically deny’ said claims.
Manna denies Sancho comments
It was reported that Manna said that Napoli won’t pay Sancho’s salary demands, but as it happens, the club have denied Manna ever speaking about Sancho, as per Tutto Napoli.
The 15-word quote allegedly uttered by Manna read, “Our offer is clear, we will not pay Sancho the salary he is asking for,” as reported by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
Due to the substance of the quote being rather believable, it grew traction and spread, which has led to Napoli coming out to deny the claims.
Although the quote has been deemed untrue, its essence may be fairly accurate. Sancho’s wages will be difficult to shift this summer for United, as his failed move to Chelsea proved that he is unwilling to take a pay cut.
Where’s next for Sancho?
The Englishman’s contract remains active for another year, and he has made it quite clear that he is happy to receive the hefty wages while ultimately not contributing much to the club.
This hinders the Red Devils massively as they look to revamp their attack, with Sancho’s £250,000-per-week wage taking up some valuable space on the United books.
READ MORE: Manchester United rivalling Chelsea in transfer race for Barcelona star as £51m price-tag set
Unfortunately for Amorim’s side, it is Sancho who holds the power in this situation, as he will benefit far more financially from biding his time. If he receives an offer this summer, then that would be great. If not, he’ll likely earn a hefty signing fee next summer.
For United’s sake, they will be desperate that Napoli’s comments ring no truth whatsoever, as they will hope to send one of their own to Naples for the second summer in a row.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.