Jadon Sancho resurrected his career on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the season after a tough two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford. Manchester United are now said to be valuing the player in the £40 Million range, according to Fabrizio Romano.
That valuation looks relatively high considering the player has scored just 11 league goals since moving to the Red Devils in 2021 including his spell in Germany. We break down where that valuation comes from and analyse if it is a realistic price tag for the winger, who helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
Jadon Sancho – The £73 Million Superstar
The 24-year-old was a standout talent in Manchester City’s academy and appeared destined to play at the highest level from a young age. His departure to Dortmund at the age of 17 was a shock and City manager Pep Guardiola later revealed that he believes Sancho had taken the easy way out instead of fighting for a place at the Etihad insisting ‘He didn’t want to take this challenge.’
The left winger proved Pep wrong after a promising first season settling into Germany. His displays throughout the three full campaigns were breathtaking at times and he was instrumental in the Dortmund side that lifted the DFB-pokal in 2021. His versatility of being comfortable playing on either flank ensured he was a regular in the England set-up before the high-profile move that finally concluded a year after United were credited with an interest. The price tag appeared inflated but Sancho’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one, creativity and knack for being in goalscoring positions ensured the fee could be justified.
It has been a difficult spell for the player at Old Trafford and it appears there is no way back at United after a public falling-out with manager Erik ten Hag. There has been little indication that the senior figures at the club, who have completed a recent part takeover, have reconsidered Sancho’s future and his career looks set to continue away from Old Trafford.
45% Decrease in Value in Three Years
The rumoured price tag would see Manchester United take a significant hit on the deal that brought him to the club. The Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules in place for Premier League sides are starting to make clubs tighten the purse strings and similar rules are in place for clubs competing in UEFA’s three major competitions. It must be assumed that a club in European competition will be his next destination.
This has affected the market value of players and the inflated transfer fees of the last five years can no longer be relied upon as an indicator of fees in the current climate.
If deals over the last 12-18 months are taken into consideration (excluding Saudi Arabia-affiliated transfers) then it can indicate the kind of funds that are required to secure the services of top-level wide players. Jeremy Doku moved for a fee in excess of £55 million. The former Rennes star has increased his profile with some exceptional displays and is above the levels Sancho displayed even at his most recent peak for Dortmund.
There are a couple of more comparable deals in the form of Dejan Kulusevki joining Tottenham permanently in a deal around the £30 million mark and Harvey Barnes leaving Leicester for just under £40 million to join Newcastle. These players have excellent ability and can be match-winners on their day, the type of form that Sancho has failed to replicate since 2021, barring an impressive showing against Paris St. Germain in the Champions League.
Sancho’s Value Appears to be Overstated
There are still two years remaining on the contract that brought the England international to Old Trafford and he will not be offered a new deal if his poor performances and dispute with the current manager are taken into consideration. The club will not want the player moving out on loan and running his contract into its final year. However, if the current financial climate is considered, the deals above are considered, the fact United appear almost desperate to sell but also the form he displayed at Dortmund his value is probably in the range of £25-£30 million. There will have to be negotiations to get a deal done at the current valuation.