After what’s been a frustrating and drawn-out chapter at Old Trafford, reports out of Italy suggest United have reached an agreement to send Sancho to Juventus. But, as usual in modern football, things aren’t that simple.
There’s a catch or rather, a few of them. And as always with Sancho, it’s not about his talent. It’s about everything around it.
A Move That’s Been Coming
It’s no secret that Sancho’s relationship with United broke down months ago. His fallout with Erik ten Hag made headlines back in late 2023 when he publicly disputed the manager’s claims about his training levels. After that, it was tough to see how things could be fixed.
Sancho, now 25, was pushed out of the first-team squad, and rather than sorting things out behind closed doors, he ended up going back to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January. But that wasn’t the fairytale return fans were hoping for.
Sancho had some moments, especially in the Champions League semifinal against PSG, but it was clear he wasn’t the same confident, fearless player United spent over £70 million to sign from Dortmund in 2021.
Now, another loan is off the table. Sancho has told United he doesn’t want to return, and he’s made that crystal clear by refusing to report for preseason training.
According to multiple reports, he won’t be joining the rest of the squad including Marcus Rashford, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho as they start gearing up for the new season.
Juventus Are Pushing But the Money Is a Problem
That’s where Juventus come in. The Italian giants have been monitoring Sancho’s situation for a while. Last summer, they tried to get him on loan, but he ended up at Dortmund instead.
Now, they want to go for a permanent deal and United are open to it. According to Corriere dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, talks between the two clubs have picked up again and are progressing well.
One report even claimed there’s already an agreement between United and Juve on the basic structure of the transfer.
The two main options being discussed? A straight transfer worth around £21.5 million plus performance-based add-ons, or a swap deal involving Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, though that part remains unclear as Luiz is also being targeted by other clubs.
But, just like last time, it’s Sancho’s wages that are getting in the way.
Sancho’s Wages: The Real Roadblock
Sancho is currently earning about £8.6 million per year at Manchester United roughly £165,000 a week. That might be standard money in the Premier League, but it’s a lot for Serie A, where clubs are far more conservative with their wage structures.
Juventus are trying to lower their salary bill this summer, not increase it. According to Italian outlets, the club is only prepared to offer Sancho somewhere between £5 million and £6 million per year. Sancho, for his part, is reportedly willing to take a pay cut but only down to £7 million.
That’s still too much for Juve, and as of now, the two sides haven’t found a compromise.
So while United and Juventus may be close to sorting the transfer fee, they can’t get the deal over the line without Sancho agreeing to the new financial terms.
United Just Want It Done
From Manchester United’s perspective, this isn’t about making a profit anymore. They know they’re going to take a financial hit and they’ve accepted that. What matters now is getting Sancho off the wage bill and moving forward.
When United sent him to Dortmund, there was some hope he could rebuild his value and confidence and maybe return to contribute. But with Ten Hag expected to stay, and no signs of a reconciliation between the two, a clean break is best for everyone.
United were reportedly hoping Chelsea would make a permanent offer after the London club took him on loan earlier this summer. According to The Mirror, Chelsea had an option to buy Sancho for £25 million, but instead paid just £5 million to walk away from the obligation.
That speaks volumes. Even after a decent season where Sancho scored five goals and provided ten assists helping Chelsea win the Europa Conference League they decided he wasn’t worth the full investment.
So now United are left with a player they don't want, who doesn't want to be there, and whose salary is too high for most of Europe.
Sancho’s Career at a Crossroads
This is a huge summer for Sancho. He’s only 25, still in his prime, and still one of the most naturally gifted English wingers of his generation. But his reputation has taken a hit.
The talent is undeniable we saw it at Dortmund during his breakout years. In the 2019/2020 season, he scores 17 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga. He was fast, Confident, Unplayable at times. That version of Sancho hasn’t shown up at United.
Honestly, most United fans will remember Sancho’s time at the club more for what he could have been than what he actually did.
He never fully settled in, struggled to find any consistent form, and often looked like he wasn’t playing with the same confidence or freedom he once had.
Some fans have blamed the tactics, others the manager, and many feel he just never mentally adjusted to the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Either way, it didn’t work out.
Can Juventus Revive Him?
Juventus see this as a chance to do what they’ve done before take a talented player who’s hit a rough patch and get the best out of him again.
They’ve done it with the likes of Ángel Di María and Adrien Rabiot in the past. And with a new sporting project under Thiago Motta who’s known for his attacking style and belief in technical players Sancho could finally find the right setup.
The slower tempo of Serie A might also suit him better. Football in Italy isn’t played at the same high speed from one end of the pitch to the other.
There’s more time to think and more focus on positioning and understanding the game. That kind of setup might help Sancho get back to being the creative player he used to be, without the nonstop pressure he dealt with in the Premier League.
Former Italian striker Antonio Cassano told Tuttosport, “Sancho’s the kind of player who plays with flair. He just needs the right setting to bring that out, and I believe Juventus could be that place for him.” But he has to want it enough to take the pay cut.”
And that’s the thing. Sancho has a decision to make. Does he value regular football and a fresh start? Or does he stick with his high wages and risk becoming a forgotten figure?
Juventus Might Sell Vlahovic to Fund the Move
To help make the deal happen, Juventus are reportedly open to selling Dusan Vlahovic, their Serbian striker who has been linked with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months.
Vlahovic still holds decent market value, and Juve believe cashing in on him could free up funds for new signings including Sancho. It’s not an easy choice, but with the club looking to rebuild under Motta, a few sacrifices might be necessary.
What’s Next?
Talks between Juventus and Sancho’s representatives are ongoing. According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, “Juve are serious about Sancho, but they won’t break their wage structure. The player has to decide if he’s ready to compromise.”
Meanwhile, United are reportedly exploring other departures, with Mason Greenwood also expected to leave permanently this summer. It’s part of a wider clearout under new sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Sancho’s move may take a bit more time, but the writing is on the wall. He won’t be playing for Manchester United this season and if all goes well, he’ll be wearing black and white in Turin very soon.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
This move could either reignite Sancho’s career or mark another frustrating chapter if it falls through. For now, it’s a waiting game and a financial one.
But football fans know how quickly things can change. One phone call, one compromise, and this saga might be wrapped up before preseason kicks off properly.
Until then, Sancho’s future hangs in the balance. And everyone from United fans to Juve ultras is watching closely.