Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a stern warning to Jadon Sancho, telling the troubled winger he must dramatically improve his attitude or face being frozen out of the squad entirely.
The former Manchester United outcast, who joined Villa amid much fanfare, has failed to impress coaching staff with his application in training sessions. Sources close to the club reveal that Sancho's work rate and professionalism have fallen well below the standards expected at the Birmingham-based club.
Last Chance Saloon for £73m Man
Sancho, once hailed as one of English football's brightest talents following his £73 million move to Manchester United, now finds himself at a critical crossroads in his career. Emery's patience is wearing thin, with the Spanish tactician known for his demanding standards and no-nonsense approach to player discipline.
"The message is clear: shape up or ship out," an insider revealed. "Unai won't tolerate anything less than 100% commitment. Jadon has been given specific targets to hit in terms of his training intensity and overall professionalism."
From Bundesliga Star to Premier League Pariah
Sancho's dramatic fall from grace has been one of the Premier League's most puzzling stories. After electrifying German football with Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 50 goals and provided 64 assists in 137 appearances, his return to England has been nothing short of disastrous.
The 24-year-old's time at Manchester United ended acrimoniously after a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, leading to his loan move to Villa Park during the summer transfer window.
Emery's Zero-Tolerance Policy
Emery, who has transformed Villa into Champions League contenders, is renowned for his meticulous approach and demands absolute dedication from his players. The former Arsenal manager has previously shown he's not afraid to make tough decisions, having sidelined other high-profile players who failed to meet his exacting standards.
Villa fans, who initially welcomed Sancho's arrival with excitement, are growing increasingly concerned about the situation. Many see this as the England international's final opportunity to salvage his Premier League career.
With the January transfer window approaching, Sancho faces a critical few weeks to prove he still has the desire and discipline to compete at the highest level. Failure to do so could see him become English football's most expensive cautionary tale.
