Manchester United have been trying to offload Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis for quite a while now.
His loan move back to Borussia Dortmund in the 2023-24 season was a success, yet the German side refrained from snapping him up permanently.
Then last season, Chelsea signed him on an initial loan with an obligation to buy included in the deal. Despite the conditions being triggered, the Blues opted to pay a penalty to escape that obligation.
Inconsistent form, off-field problems and huge wage demands meant the London side stayed away.
Sancho: problems galore
The 20-time English league champions tried for weeks to offload him, with Serie A clubs and even Turkish clubs coming close to snapping him up.
And after weeks of trying, the Red Devils finally agreed to loan him out to Aston Villa on deadline day.
INEOS tried to agree a swap deal which would have seen Emiliano Martinez come to Old Trafford instead, but the Englishman refused to accept a permanent exit.
He has his eyes on a hefty signing-on bonus and wage increase as part of a free agent move, which will happen once his contract with United expires next summer.
The 20-time English league champions have the option of triggering a one-year extension option should they not wish to lose him on a free, but given the baggage associated with the 25-year-old, it is far better to just let him leave.
Villa will buy him permanently
And despite an underwhelming start at Villa Park, Unai Emery feels the England international has what it takes to succeed under his tutelage.
Despite a poor last few seasons, interest remains in the ex-Manchester City academy graduate’s services, with MLS clubs and Saudi Pro League sides chasing him.
And the Villans see him as a long-term asset and plan to acquire his signature on a free next summer as relayed by The Daily Star.
United fans will be delighted to see the back of him after his poor performances and dismal attitude exasperated the club.
Whether Villa can afford his huge wage demands will be interesting to see, especially if they continue to struggle this Premier League season.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
