Jadon Sancho's turbulent spell at Manchester United appears to be reaching its conclusion as the exiled winger closes in on a sensational return to former club Borussia Dortmund.
The £73 million signing has been frozen out at Old Trafford since September following a public falling-out with manager Erik ten Hag, and now a loan move back to Germany seems increasingly inevitable during the January transfer window.
Dortmund's Determined Pursuit
According to emerging reports from Germany, Borussia Dortmund are pushing hard to secure Sancho's signature and are increasingly confident about completing a deal. The Bundesliga giants view the 23-year-old as the perfect solution to their attacking concerns following a disappointing first half of the season.
Sancho enjoyed the most productive period of his career during his previous stint at Signal Iduna Park, where he scored 50 goals and provided 64 assists in 137 appearances between 2017 and 2021. Dortmund officials believe returning to familiar surroundings could help rediscover the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents.
United's Stance on the Situation
Manchester United are understood to be willing to sanction a loan departure despite their substantial investment in the England international. The club hierarchy recognises that regular first-team football elsewhere represents the best chance of restoring Sancho's value after his dramatic fall from grace.
The relationship between player and manager became irreparably damaged in early September when Ten Hag publicly criticised Sancho's training performances. The winger responded with a social media post contradicting his manager's assessment, leading to his banishment from first-team activities.
What This Means for Sancho's Future
This potential return to Dortmund represents more than just a temporary escape for Sancho - it could be crucial for salvaging his career at the highest level. With Euro 2024 approaching, the former Manchester City academy product needs regular minutes to force his way back into Gareth Southgate's England plans.
For Manchester United, facilitating this move allows them to remove a disruptive influence from the dressing room while potentially creating space and financial flexibility for incoming transfers. All parties appear to recognise that separation represents the most sensible solution to an increasingly untenable situation.
