In a stunning public rebuke, AS Roma's General Manager Tiago Pinto has revealed the Italian giants have ended their pursuit of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, citing a perceived 'lack of motivation' from the player himself.
The revelation throws a major obstacle in front of Sancho's hoped-for escape from Old Trafford, where he remains frozen out of the first team following his public falling-out with manager Erik ten Hag.
Serie A Giants Withdraw from Negotiations
Pinto confirmed that Roma, despite being keen to offer the 23-year-old a lifeline, have been forced to walk away from the negotiating table. The decision was not based on financial constraints or United's demands, but solely on reservations about Sancho's desire to make the move.
'We were open to enter into talks for Jadon Sancho,' Pinto stated. 'But we have ended the pursuit. The reason is not related to financial parameters or Manchester United’s asking price. We have doubts over the motivation of the player and his willingness to embrace this move.'
A Crucial Escape Route Closed
This development is a significant blow for Sancho, for whom a January exit appears increasingly necessary to revive his stalling career. A switch to a historic club like Roma, competing in Serie A and the Europa League, had been viewed as a perfect opportunity for redemption.
With this primary Italian suitor now gone, Sancho's options for a high-profile January transfer are rapidly diminishing. The public nature of Pinto's comments will also do little to attract other elite clubs, who may now share similar concerns about the player's mindset.
The ball is now firmly in Sancho's court. To secure a move away from Manchester United, he must convince potential suitors that his motivation and hunger to succeed at the highest level remain intact.
