Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho is reportedly close to joining Serie A side AS Roma.
The 25-year-old signed for the Red Devils in 2021, joining from Borussia Dortmund for a fee over £70 million.
However, the England international’s time at Old Trafford has not gone to plan, struggling for form and consistent gametime. Sancho has been loaned out twice by United, having a spell with his former side Dortmund and Chelsea.
Now, it seems the winger is set to depart from Ruben Amorim’s side permanently, with AS Roma closing in on a loan move with an obligation to buy.
Sancho has made 83 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring 12 and assisting six since joining from Dortmund.
Sancho closes on United exit
According to Fabrizio Romano, AS Roma are close to signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on loan with an obligation to buy.
The Red Devils are prepared to accept the £20m loan fee and obligation, and want the move sorted quickly.
It was also reported that Roma are now waiting on Sancho’s decision after their contract proposal to the winger.
Sancho was previously one of five United players who handed in a transfer request to leave the club.
How did Sancho fare last season?
The England international spent last season on loan at Premier League rivals Chelsea, where he helped the Blues qualify for the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League.
In the Premier League, Sancho was a consistent figure for Chelsea, making 31 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting a further five.
Sancho struggled to make an impact in cup competitions, playing only twice for the Blues in the FA Cup, as well as coming off the bench in United’s Community Shield loss to rivals Manchester City before his loan move.
The winger found some of his best form in the UEFA Conference League, where he scored twice and assisted five in eight appearances, including a goal in the final to help the Blues win 4-1 against Real Betis.
Overall, the winger made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring five and assisting 10, helping Chelsea qualify for the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League.
Is this the right decision?
It could be said that Sancho has never hit the ground running since signing for the Red Devils for over £70 million in 2021.
The 25-year-old struggled for form and gametime during his time at Old Trafford, making 83 appearances, scoring 12 and assisting six. Sancho has also spent time away from the Red Devils, where he was loaned out twice to former side Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
Now, it looks like Sancho will leave United, with Italian side AS Roma closing in on a loan with an obligation to buy.
This could be the best move for both United and Sancho. United would free up Sancho’s wages from their books and potentially get some funds that can be used on bringing in a new player.
This could also give the 25-year-old the fresh start he may need. With the World Cup coming up next year, Sancho may look to get back into the squad. This move could give Sancho the chance to recapture his form and ability, and fight for a spot in the England squad next year.
It will be interesting to see if Sancho makes the move to AS Roma this window.