Manchester United are prepared to frustrate wantaway winger Jadon Sancho in January by setting a steep asking price for his services despite Erik ten Hag choosing to freeze him out of the first-team squad. The Red Devils paid Borussia Dortmund £73million for Sancho just two years ago and they are keen not to lose too much of their investment.
According to The Mirror, United value the player at up to £50m. Although Sancho is still only 23 years old and carries bags of potential there are concerns about his attitude and drastic drop-off in form since leaving the Bundesliga.
Therefore the fee demanded by United may be deemed too high for some potential suitors. The clubs that are said to be interested in snapping him up are Juventus and Steven Gerrard-managed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Juventus have contacted United over the possibility of a loan move for Sancho. While the Red Devils would prefer a permanent transfer they may be open to coming to a compromise with the Italian giants, who are willing to pay the majority of his £350,000 a week wages, or a loan fee for him.
Al-Ettifaq approached United with a similar proposition last summer but they were snubbed by the player, who had no desire to play in the Middle East at the time. However, the situation has developed a fair bit since then.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly planning to sell Sancho as part of an attacking firesale at Old Trafford in the winter transfer window providing his bid for a 25 per cent stake in Man Utd gets the green light from the board. Sancho was exiled from the senior squad in September after refusing to apologise to manager Erik ten Hag following a public spat over his training performances.
United are aware that their desire to get rid of Sancho will impact his market value but they don’t want to take a massive financial hit on the transfer. Sancho’s hefty wages could prove to be a stumbling block for many of his admirers, particularly Juventus, who are handcuffed by Financial Fair Play regulations.
The only clubs that are likely to be willing to provide the 23-year-old with a similar salary are those in Saudi Arabia. Sancho will therefore have to decide whether to take a hit to his wages or pack his bags and cross the Meditteranean Sea.
