Jadon Sancho has been training at Flixton FC, a tenth-tier club in Greater Manchester, after leaving Manchester United as a free agent.
Sancho was released by United at the end of June when his contract expired, with Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia also leaving the club as free agents. He joined United in the summer of 2021 from Borussia Dortmund for around £73 million, scoring 12 goals in 83 appearances.
He had loan spells with former club Dortmund, as well as Chelsea and Aston Villa during his time at Old Trafford.
Training session at Flixton
"You've got a nice layout here," Sancho said in a video posted on Flixton's social media channels. "It's my first time around this area, and it's the first time I've seen a nice pitch [in this area] apart from United and City."
The club, whose assistant manager is Rhodri Giggs — brother of United legend Ryan — issued an official statement to clarify the situation.
Flixton owner Christopher Garcia said: "Over the past few days, we've seen a number of posts and comments circulating regarding Jadon Sancho's visit to Flixton FC. To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions. He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career. We're proud that the quality of our pitch and facilities made Flixton a place where a player of his calibre felt comfortable training, and he is welcome to train at Flixton FC whenever he wishes. During his visit, Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time. After completing his session, he happily met with young supporters, posed for photos, signed autographs, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Jadon is a world-class footballer who has achieved more in the game than most players could ever dream of. He deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed. We thank Jadon for choosing Flixton FC as a place to train and wish him every success in the next stage of his career, which will undoubtedly be at a level far above where we currently compete. Our doors will always be open to him."
What next for Sancho?
Sancho has not been linked with many potential new clubs so far, with Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan among the few sides to make an enquiry. The winger is reportedly open to a move to the Middle East, where the Saudi Pro League remains a possibility, or alternatively remaining in Europe.
