The summer’s biggest transfer saga is already underway and we haven’t even reached Pancake Day yet. Anyway, the transfer that is sure to drive us ‘flipping’ mad (see what we did there) is set to involve former Manchester City youngster Jadon Sancho. He has the world at his feet and at just 19-years-old, there is barely a club on the planet who wouldn’t love to have the Englishman playing for them next season.
He ought to cost north of £100m, so with his next move likely to be a massive one, we assess his options.
Manchester United
Hmm. Manchester United certainly need a right-winger and Jadon Sancho fits the bill. Whether the biggest club in England can still be a big enough draw for the youngster after their recent fall from grace is questionable, though. He would be their marquee signing and one of their highest-paid players but no Champions League football is a stumbling block.
Given Ed Woodward’s recent record in the transfer market, confidence would be low from United fans of this one getting over the line but the one positive they can offer is a return to Manchester. Sancho spent two years in the northern metropolis at rivals Man Cty before leaving for Dortmund.
Liverpool
Statistically the world’s best team and on their way to their first Premier League title, Liverpool don’t really need Sancho, but it would be a hell of a statement if they could snag him ahead of their rivals. Although Klopp’s preferred and most successful formation of 4-3-3 has been unbeatable this season, a switch to 4-2-3-1 could accommodate the Englishman.Roberto Firmino could drop into that number 10 position and Mo Salah could play in the central role, leaving room on the right-hand side for Sancho. That would make up the most fearsome front four in European football. It's unlikely to happen but just imagine...
Jadon Sancho making players look silly one game at a time...
Chelsea
He may have spent time in Manchester but his childhood was spent in London and he was a boyhood Chelsea fan. Frank Lampard’s men have shaken off the shackles of their transfer ban and already acted quickly, agreeing to sign Ajax’s creative wideman Hakim Ziyech in summer.
The Moroccan’s signing, along with Christian Pulisic, does seem to limit opportunities at Stamford Bridge but with Ziyech able to play in the number 10 position, Sancho’s signing would be more than welcome. How much does Sancho want to play for his boyhood club?
Barcelona
Ousmane Dembele is always injured, Antoine Griezmann hasn't settled and Luis Suarez is ageing. Barcelona are in need of an overhaul if they are to stay at the top of the European tree and heading back to Dortmund for another big signing may just be the solution. The issues the Spanish giants currently face are huge given the amount of money they have spent in recent years.
They could face serious repercussions if they break Financial Fair Play regulations. This one is another unlikely outcome, but the chance to play with Lionel Messi can sometimes prove irresistible to young players
Stay at Borussia Dortmund
Of course, one option for Sancho would be to stay where he is for another season. Given he is so young and has his whole career ahead of him it would not be the worst thing for him to stay at Dortmund, the club that has helped develop him, for another 12 months.
One potential disaster story to learn from is that of Ousmane Dembele. The former Dortmund man spent just one season in Germany before forcing through a dream move to Barcelona, something that has turned into a disaster. His ability is apparent but a string of different managers and injuries have halted his progress. He would have been better showing a little more patience and it would show maturity from Sancho to do the same.
