Manchester United walked away from signing Jadon Sancho after concluding the transfer would cost close to €250 million (£227 million), according to sources. The total included Borussia Dortmund's €120 million asking price for the forward, plus his wage demands and the fee requested by his agent, Emeka Obasi. United deemed this financially unviable amid the coronavirus-affected economic climate.
This is not the first time the club has abandoned a major move due to financial prudence. In January, they pulled out of an attempt to sign Erling Braut Haaland because of the deal's structure, which included a high payment to his representative, Mino Raiola.
Dortmund encouraged United to negotiate with Sancho and Obasi, during which the club made clear their financial stance and what they were willing to pay. Even if agreement had been reached on that front, Dortmund's demand remained an obstacle.
Minor elements such as the standard 4% levy to the Premier League on any transfer fee, plus additional costs including bonuses and national insurance, were also factored in by the club.
United do not expect supporters to be admitted to games until March, leading to further loss of match-day revenues. The club has also accounted for lost retail revenues and faces economic uncertainty across other areas of the business.
