When Jadon Sancho was told by Manchester United that he must find a new club, the English winger’s future suddenly looked like a roulette wheel. The 25‑year‑old has been sidelined from United’s pre‑season plans and, according to insiders, was given an ultimatum in early July to secure a transfer before the season starts. Juventus had been sniffing around for months, but their interest cooled as they tried to balance an overloaded attack. Now AS Roma appears to be the front‑runner, with the player reportedly shaking hands on a deal that could see him in the Eternal City for the 2024‑25 campaign.
Background to the Sancho saga
Sancho’s roller‑coaster ride at United began after a €73 million move from Manchester City in 2021. A promising start was quickly derailed by a change of manager, an injury‑laden 2022‑23 season, and a public fallout with former boss Erik ten Hag. The winger spent the back half of the 2023‑24 season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, helping the German side reach the Champions League final, but he returned to Old Trafford with a contract that still runs until June 2025 and a wage bill that dwarfs his recent output.
Juventus: Why the interest cooled
The Italian giants announced their intent in early June, with general manager Damien Comolli hinting that a Sancho signing would be “possible if we can sell another attacker first.” He added in a televised interview, “We have two of the best wingers in the world, and Nico is a great player. If someone were to leave, we will consider him.” The club’s recent permanent deals for Francisco Conceição and Nico González left Juventus with a surplus of wide‑players and a wage bill that already strains their post‑pandemic budget.
Juventus also needs to off‑load striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract runs for another year at a salary reported to be above €5 million per season. “We must either renegotiate or move him,” Comolli said, underscoring the financial juggling act that has put the Sancho bid on hold. The Bianconeri’s initial €10 million offer, plus bonuses, was quickly eclipsed by United’s asking price of €25 million, making the deal harder to justify.
Roma emerges as frontrunner
Enter AS Roma. According to Football Italia, Roma submitted a formal proposal that met both United’s valuation and Sancho’s personal terms. The player, eager to leave the Premier League, is said to have accepted the offer on the phone, “feeling a fresh start would be best for my career.” Roma’s board, led by club president Pietro Sironi, has been quietly rebuilding under manager José Damiaens, targeting a more dynamic attacking quartet. Adding Sancho would give them a proven Premier League talent to complement the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tammy Burgess.
The reported fee sits around €22 million, with United willing to shave a few million if Sancho accepts a wage reduction. Sources close to the negotiation say the winger is prepared to take a 30 % cut to the £190 million per‑year contract he signed in 2021, a move that mirrors his earlier willingness to re‑join Dortmund on a modest salary.
Financial picture and wage challenges
United’s price tag has been a moving target. Early July reports floated a €21.6 million total package, including add‑ons, while a later Bloomberg note suggested United would settle for no more than €20 million if Sancho agrees to halve his wages. The financial disparity is stark: United’s books show Sancho earning roughly £190 million a season, while his output this year—just two goals and three assists in the Premier League—doesn’t justify such a figure.
For Juventus, a loan with United covering part of the wage could be a compromise, but such arrangements rarely materialise before the transfer deadline closes on September 1. Roma, meanwhile, appears ready to absorb the reduced salary, banking on commercial revenue from Sancho’s global brand to offset the cost.
What the next weeks could bring
The transfer window is now in its final sprint. Juventus may still try to out‑bid Roma, but they would need to secure a buyer for at least one of their attacking assets—most likely Nico González—to free up both space and cash.
Meanwhile, United is also shopping other fringe players. Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia are all listed as transfer targets for clubs across Europe and the Middle East. If Roma finalises the Sancho deal, we could see a domino effect, with United potentially using the proceeds to fund those exits.
Fans in Rome are already picturing Sancho in a red and yellow jersey, while Juventus supporters brace for another summer of roster reshuffling. The only certainty is that the Premier League will feel the loss of another high‑profile English winger, and Serie A will gain a player whose pace and flair have thrilled crowds across Europe.
Key Facts
- Sancho’s contract with United runs until June 2025.
- Juventus’ initial bid: €10 million plus bonuses.
- Roma’s reported offer: €22 million, with a ~30 % wage cut for the player.
- United’s asking price: €25 million.
- Transfer deadline: 1 September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Sancho’s move affect Manchester United’s finances?
United would likely record a modest profit, as the fee offered by Roma is expected to be lower than the €190 million annual wages Sancho commands. The cash influx could be redirected to fund the sales of Antony, Garnacho and Malacia, helping balance the club’s wage bill.
Why did Juventus pull back from signing Sancho?
Juventus’ roster now includes permanent signings of Conceição and González, creating an oversupply of wingers. Combined with the need to off‑load high‑earner Vlahović, the club could not justify the additional wage burden without first selling another attacker.
What does the transfer mean for AS Roma’s ambitions?
Signing a player of Sancho’s pedigree signals Roma’s intent to challenge for a top‑four Serie A finish. His experience in the Premier League and Champions League could boost the club’s attacking options and raise its global profile.
Could Sancho still end up at Juventus?
It’s possible, but only if Juventus can sell at least one winger and meet United’s price. A loan‑with‑United‑wage‑share deal remains a theoretical fallback, though such arrangements are rare this close to the deadline.
How will Sancho’s wage cut impact his performance?
A reduced salary could relieve pressure, allowing Sancho to focus on football rather than contract disputes. Historically, players who accept lower wages after a high‑profile move report feeling more motivated, though adaptation to Serie A’s tactical style will be the bigger test.
Tracee Dunblazier
October 7, 2025 AT 21:39Sancho’s stalled season at United has turned into a textbook case of ambition outpacing reality. The winger’s wage demands simply don’t match his output, and that gap has forced the club’s hand. A move to Roma could finally align his salary with his on‑field contributions.