WHO NEEDS SANCHO MORE?

WHO NEEDS SANCHO MORE?

Jadon Sancho has been linked with just about every European giant in recent months. Its no surprise seeing that since he left Man City he has become a star for the Dortmund in the 2 seasons with the senior team. 33 goals and 35 assists across 2 years for a 20 year old is testament of his ingenious talent. Numbers like that are enough reason to encourage a scramble for his signature over this summer’s transfer window. As per BR’s Dean Jones, Manchester United looked to be leading the race for his signature before the pandemic. But he has also been linked strongly with Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool amd Manchester City. 

PSG

The rumours linking Sancho to PSG are almost certainly false. Its possible that they have looked at him as top players always look at the best players. However it would be difficult to fit Sancho tactically into a team that has already adjusted to fit in Icardi, Neymar, Di Maria and Mbappe in to the same starting XI. Add to that the fact that joining a team already dominating Ligue 1 may not be the exciting project despite its obvious financial benefits.

REAL MADRID

Real Madrid are always in the market for GAlactico signings but the links to Sancho seem fickle. As of this moment these are the players that can play on the wings; Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Isco, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo. If you decide to include Takefesa Kubo who is on loan at Mallorca right now and you could even push it and include Marcelo and Fede Valverde. Los Blancos do not need another winger.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are almost exclusively the best team in England. Their front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino can rip teams apart on their day, which happens to be most days. There has been a strong critism that the quality of the teams drops by a fair amount when those front three are absent. The likes of Origi and to some degree Shaqiri are capable players but asides from that night againsts Barcelona, they seem some way off the initial trident. Another concern has been the fact that the African Cup of Nations, which has been moved forward till 2022, will deprive Liverpool of Salah and Mane for at least 4 weeks. With The Reds missing out on Timo Werner to Chelsea it makes sense that they pursue Sancho to be that option. But, Klopp recently said “How can I be asking players to take paycuts then go out and sign a player to 50-60 million.” From that perspective a deal seems almost morally impossible on Liverpools part to happen.

MANCHESTER CITY

There’s a picture of Sancho and Pep while he was at Man City, one arm slung around his shoulder and laughing. Since that picture was taken, Sancho’s value has more than quadrupled, rising exponentially. His development in that time too has been faster than perhaps even the most hopeful could expect. After all, his talent has never been in doubt. City’s flanks however have been held down by the likes of Sterling, Mahrez, Bernado Silva and until recently Sane. With Sane off to Bayern Munich, they may look to sign a winger. But it seems unlikely. The noises from the club suggest Phil Foden will play out wide next season. 

MANCHESTER UNITED

Despite reports earlier this week that the red half of Manchester will refuse to pay more than 50 million for the English star and Dortmund suggesting they would not be a COVID discount for their attacker, United have been the side linked heaviest to completing a move. There’s the lure being the one to rekindle the fire of the number 7 jersey. The English boy coming home to thrust one of the county’s greatest clubs back into the limelight. United need a wide player. Daniel James is the only natural wide player and his output has not been impressive by the club’s standards. Martial, Rashford and Greenwood have all been used out wide but they are not exactly wide players. There is no doubt he would improve the side but post COVID the finances look difficult.

CHELSEA

Chelsea were heavily linked with Sancho just like United for a long period. In that time however they have signed Ziyech from Ajax and Werner from Leipzig. Both can play wide positions and that’s adding to Pulisic who has been showcasing his form sinve the restart and Hudson-Odoi who the club believe in his potential. Pedro is off to Roma but Willian’s futute has not yet been decided. Chelsea do not need him and recently they have been linked more with Kai Havertz. Recent performances especially against West Ham have shown the need for a top quality commanding center back.  

DORTMUND

What exactly does Sancho to lose by delaying his big move by just one year? Higher wages? A trophy? Dortmund will know that if they can convince him to wait they stand a chance of getting a much higher fee especially in a more stable market, next year. His stock has shot up exponentially and the chance of it falling drastically over the next 12 months is as close to negligible as can be. Sancho is still very young in football terms and his development as a player is done no harm by staying. 

In the end it's a personal decision and whatever trajectory his career takes, Sancho is one to be excited about