Jadon Sancho’s spell at Aston Villa has failed to catch fire. Manchester United are now weighing whether to trigger a 12 month extension or allow him to depart for free next summer. The scenario would turn a £72.9m outlay into a total loss and reflects how far his stock has fallen since leaving Dortmund for Old Trafford.
Losses compared with Antony and Hojlund
United accepted heavy write downs on other marquee buys yet at least recovered fees. Antony moved for an initial £19m with possible add ons after costing £86.3m. Rasmus Hojlund is set to join Napoli permanently for £38m after a loan following a commitment up to £72m. The projected losses remain large but are smaller than a zero return on Sancho.
MEN report and the contract fork in the road
The Manchester Evening News says a decision is due before the season ends on whether to use the 12 month option or let the contract wind down. On paper extending would preserve some resale value. In practice the market looks thin. Chelsea even paid £5m not to proceed in the summer. His recent snub of Unai Emery’s handshake at Villa has only heightened doubts.
Loans, limited minutes and fading leverage
Dortmund and Chelsea provided sizeable loan fees which softened the financial hit. Neither pursued a permanent transfer after initial interest. The January window will mark two years since his Dortmund loan began. His only United outing in that stretch came in the Community Shield. United still do not see a place for him yet still cannot find a buyer.
A free exit is no longer unthinkable
Sancho could still revive his form at Villa and attract suitors. The odds look slim at present. With value eroding and options shrinking the case for allowing a free departure grows stronger even if it means writing off the entire £72.9m investment.
