European giants have already made a decision on United loanee’s “fairytale” return in 2026 – report

Manchester United attempted to streamline their squad this summer by offloading players deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim. Marcus Rashford was sent on loan to Barcelona, who have an option to make his stay permanent. Rasmus Hojlund moved to Napoli on a season-long loan, with the Serie A champions under an obligation to make the deal permanent next summer. Antony returned to Real Betis on a permanent deal, while the Red Devils sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea. Tyrell Malacia ended up staying, but Jadon Sancho left on deadline day to secure a loan move to Aston Villa. The Englishman’s future, however, remains far from resolved. United’s Sancho paradox Sancho first caught the eye with Borussia Dortmund and subsequently turned heads at Old Trafford. United’s long-drawn pursuit of the former Manchester City graduate came to a successful conclusion in the summer of 2021. The Englishman arrived at the Theatre of Dreams as one of the world’s finest young players but failed to live up to the billing. His time with the Red Devils was marred by a lack of form and off-field issues. After a fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag, the 25 year old returned to Dortmund in January 2024 on a six-month loan. Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea, who had an obligation to sign him permanently this summer. However, the Blues paid a small penalty to opt out of the clause. Deemed surplus to requirements under Amorim, the Englishman moved to Villa Park on a temporary deal this summer. However, with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, and the Red Devils unlikely to offer him an extension, speculation is rife over Sancho’s next move. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Borussia Dortmund are eyeing the return of their prodigal son in 2026, when he could be available for free. A separate report has now provided an update on the saga. No fairytale return Speaking recently on The Dortmund Week podcast, journalist Oliver Muller poured cold water on Sancho’s possible return to Signal Iduna Park in 2026. Journalist Manfred Sedlbauer pointed out that the Englishman is inevitably linked with Dortmund every transfer window. He said: “It’s like Groundhog Day every six months. Shortly before every transfer window, it’s become customary in Dortmund to discuss Jadon Sancho.” Muller insisted that the situation has become a “running gag,” and both journalists agreed that the Bundesliga club has no interest in their former player. Muller went on to compare the saga to a fairytale, adding: “He’s no longer a hot commodity on the transfer market.” “It’s true that some fans long for it. But it’s not a realistic scenario. The fans always hope that the sight of Phoenix Lake will ease his tension. But that’s nothing more than a fairytale.” Jadon Sancho Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League4––––88′ UEFA Europa League3––––174′ EFL Cup1––––74′ Total8––––336′ Source: TransfermarktSancho has registered 12 goals in 83 games for United to date and is yet to get going with the Villans. With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha forming a new-look attack this season, the Red Devils have already moved on from the Englishman. 🚨 Manchester United have no intention of bringing Jadon Sancho back this summer and would prefer to release him on a free transfer instead of triggering his one-year contract extension. [@SportsPeteO] pic.twitter.com/ex7iEauYSy — SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) November 11, 2025 Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.