These last few days, Jadon Sancho has firmly been in the spotlight.
There has been a public declaration of interest from Besiktas, though nothing concrete has emerged from that. Then came the AS Roma links.
The Serie A side have been bold in their pursuit of Sancho, making a strong move to beat European heavyweights to his signature. On Thursday, reports surfaced claiming the Italian club had submitted a bid for Sancho.
With a proposed £20 million loan and an obligation to buy, the Giallorossi hoped to convince United to let their number 25 make the switch to the Stadio Olimpico.
While many expected a promising update on Friday, it never came. The update that emerged was worrying.
On Friday night, journalist Orazio Accomando shared a damning update on his X page: “For Roma, tomorrow (Saturday 16th) is an important day for Sancho. Compared to yesterday (Thursday), the deal is no longer close, and not only due to the failure to sell Kone.
“Discussions are ongoing regarding the financial aspects. Tomorrow, the Giallorossi will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the operation.”
🚨#Roma, domani giornata importante per #Sancho. Rispetto a ieri, chiusura non più vicina e non solo per la mancata cessione di Kone. Ragionamenti in corso sul piano economico. Domani i giallorossi decideranno definitivamente se proseguire con l’operazione. @sportmediaset
— Orazio Accomando (@OAccomando91) August 15, 2025
The admission that the deal is no longer close should leave INEOS concerned. Just as they seemed ready to offload the winger finally, another suitor is now reconsidering.
Sancho’s exit is proving tricky
While Sancho has attracted plenty of interest, his wages have put off some clubs like Chelsea.
Although other sides have shown willingness to sign him, the player himself has been described as choosy about his next destination.
Kone sale key to Sancho swoop
Roma had been keen to bring Sancho on board, but a shift in their transfer plans has changed their position.
A deal had been agreed for Kone to move to Inter Milan, but on Friday, Roma’s owners, the Friedkins, decided to walk away from negotiations to sell the Frenchman.
The Kone sale was expected to bankroll Roma’s moves for both Leon Bailey and Sancho.
With that option now off the table, Roma face a dilemma.
Decision day for Roma
Today, Roma must weigh their options and decide whether, financially, they can still pull off the Sancho deal.
So for now, it is a waiting game.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
