In a stunning turn of events, Jadon Sancho's Manchester United nightmare has come to a temporary end as the England international completes a six-month loan move back to Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old winger, who became United's second-most expensive signing when he joined from Dortmund for £73m in 2021, will return to Signal Iduna Park after a highly publicised fallout with manager Erik ten Hag earlier this season.
Sancho's Red Devils Struggles
Sancho's time at Old Trafford has been plagued by inconsistency and controversy, culminating in his exile from the first-team squad following a public dispute with Ten Hag in September. The Dutch manager claimed Sancho hadn't trained well enough to merit selection, prompting the player to hit back on social media.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance during his 82 appearances for United, Sancho managed just 12 goals and failed to replicate the electrifying form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents during his first spell in Germany.
Dortmund Delighted With Homecoming
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl expressed his delight at bringing Sancho back to the club where he blossomed between 2017-2021, saying: "We're thrilled to welcome Jadon home. He knows our club, our fans and the Bundesliga perfectly."
The loan deal includes no option to buy, with United keen to reassess the situation in summer. Dortmund will pay a loan fee believed to be in the region of £3m and cover a significant portion of Sancho's £250,000-a-week wages.
What This Means For United
Sancho's departure leaves Ten Hag short of attacking options as United chase Champions League qualification. The Red Devils are reportedly exploring the market for replacements, with several names already linked.
For Sancho, the move represents a chance to rediscover his best form in familiar surroundings ahead of Euro 2024, where he'll hope to force his way back into Gareth Southgate's England plans.
