It is hard to believe that Jadon Sancho will have been a Manchester United player for four years this month.
After two years of painstaking negotiations, the England international finally signed on the dotted line on July 23rd 2021 for the princely sum of €85 million.
In that time, Sancho has played just 83 times for the Red Devils. A million per game is hardly a good return on the club’s investment and the paltry 12 goals the Londoner scored in the famous Red shirt cost €7 million each.
High time, then, that the 25 year old found a permanent home elsewhere and it is looking increasingly likely that will be in Italy.
Juventus with or without Conceição
Sancho’s most likely landing spot is Turin. Juventus have grown increasingly enthusiastic over the winger, and he seems just as keen to join them.
Initially, it was reported that he was simply a plan B to Francisco Conceição, who impressed at the Allianz Arena last season on loan from FC Porto. However, the Dragons are holding out for his release clause of €30 million, paid immediately, and Juve do not want to pay that much.
Over the last few days, though, the Sancho option has gained traction. Gazzetta dello Sport (this morning’s paper edition, page 11) insist it is still one or the other, but note that Sancho’s position is getting stronger by the day. Corriere dello Sport, however, go much further and suggest that regardless of what happens with Conceição, a deal is almost done for Sancho.
The Old Lady gets her purse out
In this morning’s paper edition (page 6), CDS claim that Juventus are willing to pay €25 million for Sancho, which is more or less United’s asking price of €25-€30m. However, they say that the offer is to be paid “in installments over several years, plus additional costs”.
The outlet says this is “a proposal that Manchester considers tempting but not yet entirely satisfactory.”
As for Sancho’s wages, which have consistently been reported as being an issue, there is also progress.
Sancho, “who only sees black and white” and “is in a hurry” has “expressed his opinion to the Manchester United executives in the secret rooms: let me go.”
“Jadon earns €10 million net in England, he asked for 8 from Juve, but the Lady has imposed a salary cap and does not want to go beyond 6 plus bonuses.
“At €6.5 plus bonuses it can be closed.”
Depending on the nature of the bonuses, the two parties sound very close to finding an agreement.
Douglas Luiz exchange still on the table
While United and Juve haggle over that magic €25 million figure, another option still remains in play; that of a swap deal with midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is surplus to requirements at the Continassa, coming the other way.
CDS says “it is necessary to iron out the last details with United, who would gladly welcome Douglas Luiz (an exchange has been considered) but perhaps are more tempted by the idea of cashing in” on Sancho.
All in all, with Conceição the only possible fly in the ointment, things are looking very good for Sancho’s move to Juventus. For United, drawing a line under one of the most disappointing signings in their history will come as a welcome relief.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
