Dortmund’s sporting director explains why they didn’t sign the Manchester United outcast this summer. Jadon Sancho was connected to Borussia Dortmund, but the deal fell through.
Last season, the controversy between Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho cast a long shadow over Manchester United. A half-season loan to Chelsea, followed by a £5m penalty and a permanent deal, then Sancho’s return to Old Trafford, it all remained murky. Reports suggested a £40m price tag, with Roma offering £20m, but most clubs preferred a loan. Eventually, as the transfer window closed, Sancho joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan.
Why the Dortmund transfer fell through
Borussia Dortmund were consistently linked with Sancho throughout the summer. According to BILD, sporting director Sebastian Kehl admitted the club had discussed his return internally, but the finances didn’t work. He explained Dortmund had already spent around €100m on new players—matching last summer’s outlay—and without state or billionaire backing, they could not justify another major deal.
“Of course, we also addressed the issue internally at some point, but there must be a feasible economic framework. With the transfers we have made, we have invested approximately €100m in new players, similar to last summer. But there is no state, no sheikh, no billionaire behind us. We have to earn our own money and, in the long run, can only spend what we previously earned. We have exhausted our financial possibilities for this transfer period.”
Sancho, for his part, was reportedly willing to take a pay cut to return. His bond with Dortmund is well known: during his 2023/24 loan spell, he played a pivotal role in the team’s run to the Champions League final. Yet, despite the mutual interest, a deal was simply not feasible this time, leaving United to consider only loan solutions.
What’s next for Sancho?
The question now is whether his Aston Villa chapter will offer Sancho a fresh direction or fade into obscurity compared to Dortmund. Staying in the Premier League under Unai Emery could provide both stability and confidence. Villa’s system allows hard-working attackers to play with freedom, giving Sancho the platform to rediscover his best form.
His Dortmund stint restored some confidence, but Villa presents a new challenge. If he can deliver goals and assists consistently, his market value will rise, making it easier for United to find a permanent buyer next summer. Chelsea’s decision to cut ties for £5m remains a cautionary tale, and United will be eager to avoid a repeat scenario.
United may also trigger a one-year extension to his contract to prevent him leaving for free. But the risk remains: if Sancho struggles at Villa, United could again be saddled with a high-wage player with little market appeal.
That’s why this season is decisive. The ball is at Sancho’s feet, either he silences his critics with performances, or risks fading into a distant memory of wasted potential.
