The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s potential destinations next season.
Jadon Sancho is certainly one of the hottest prospects in the transfer market right now. The Borussia Dortmund star is currently regarded as one of Europe’s best attackers, having enjoyed unrivalled success in the Bundesliga over the past 18 months.
As a result, a host of top clubs are already circling around Sancho as they look to lure him away from Ruhrpott. However, the English international must make a wise decision this summer, knowing a move to the wrong club could potentially ruin his career, just like ex-Dortmund star Ousmane Dembele.
And here, at the Hard Tackle, we will take a closer look at Sancho’s potential suitors next season and figure out where he will be best suited, as the youngster looks to make the next step in his career.
Chelsea
Assessing the transfer situation
Chelsea have appeared quite serious about signing Sancho, even in the January transfer window. After their transfer ban was lifted, the Blues were willing to shatter their transfer record in the pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund forward. However, a move did not materialise.
Right now, Chelsea look like the second favourite as far as the race to sign Sancho is concerned. So unless they are willing to come up with a very lucrative offer, there is a very little chance that the winger will move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Transfer likeliness: 5/10
Is Chelsea the right club?
Chelsea could be an excellent destination for Sancho due to multiple reasons. The Blues are undergoing a transitional phase, with ageing stars like Pedro and Willian unlikely to have any future at the club. Youngsters like Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have already established themselves as key members of the side.
Sancho, in that regard, could fit in perfectly. With Callum Hudson Odoi and Christian Pulisic failing to make the desired impact, the Englishman is likely to become Chelsea’s weapon-in-chief in the final third. That means he is guaranteed to get regular game-time, with not much competition.
On the flip side, however, Frank Lampard’s side has lacked consistency this season, despite showing signs of promise.
Although the Blues have no shortage of firepower, they are yet to establish themselves as a European powerhouse. One could also argue that the potential arrival of Sancho could make them way too over-reliant on the services of young individuals.
Approval Rating: 6/10
Manchester United
Assessing the transfer situation
Manchester United are the clear favourites in the pursuit of Sancho in the summer. Several outlets, including The Sun, believes that the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old, who is now ready to move to Old Trafford next season.
In fact, the Premier League giants have also reportedly sorted out the length of Sancho’s contract, as well as his salary, bonuses and a huge buyout clause. They are, however, yet to finalise a deal with Borussia Dortmund regarding the transfer fee.
Transfer Likeliness: 9/10
Is Man United the right club for Sancho?
Much like Chelsea, Manchester United will also be able to offer Sancho regular first-team football. In fact, they might be able to offer it better than their Premier League rivals as they do not even have a reliable wide attacker at the moment.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise as to why the Red Devils are reportedly willing to offer the number seven kit to Sancho if he does move to Old Trafford in the summer. Besides, the Dortmund star is also good friends with Marcus Rashford, and their attacking combination could potentially rejuvenate the English giants next season.
One major flaw about Manchester United as far as their pursuit of Sancho is concerned is that there is a chance they might not even qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Moreover, the English international will be dealt with an immense amount of expectations, especially if he dons the number seven shirt. And thanks to the worldwide scrutiny of Manchester United on the internet, Sancho could run the risk of potentially being identified as a liability if he fails to make the desired impact at Old Trafford.
Approval Rating: 6/10
Real Madrid
Assessing Real Madrid’s chances
Real Madrid have not appeared as enthusiastic about signing Sancho, certainly not as much as Manchester United or Chelsea. But, they are the only club who is capable of hi-jacking the move due to their financial firepower coupled with the fact that they are in a better position to offer regular Champions League football.
In fact, the Spanish giants believe they can compete with Manchester United in the pursuit of Sancho this summer. It should be a worrying sign for the Red Devils, even though they are to believed to be the frontrunners in this chase.
Transfer Likeliness: 6/10
Is Real Madrid the right club for Sancho?
It goes without saying that joining Real Madrid is a dream come true for any footballer. And Dortmund’s Sancho is no exception. At the Santiago Bernabeu, the 20-year-old, will, no doubt, be provided with a solid paycheck, while his personal profile could also receive a significant boost.
Not to mention, Real Madrid are genuine contenders in every competition they take part in, including the Champions League, meaning Sancho will have an excellent chance of winning some silverware, especially after failing to win a single major trophy except the DFL Supercup during his two and a half year spell at the club.
That being said, Sancho will face massive competition for a place in the starting lineup if he does move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have a wealth of options in the offensive department, with players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio as well as Eden Hazard.
It could significantly reduce Sancho’s game-time, ultimately stifling his progress. It is also fair to point out that Real Madrid have one of the most criticised fanbases in the world as the supporters do not take kindly to a player failing to live up to the expectations.
Approval Rating: 5/10
Liverpool
Assessing Liverpool’s chances
It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp has been keeping an eye on Sancho for a long time now. Liverpool were, in fact, reportedly the favourites to sign the Dortmund attacker last month. But right now, it seems they’ll likely lose the battle to their arch-rivals Manchester United.
Not to mention, the Reds will need to sort out the future of their two wingers in Salah and Mane before they can make a big-money move for an attacker this summer.
Transfer Likeliness: 4/10
Is Liverpool the right club?
Unlike all the other three clubs on this list, Liverpool are not struggling with a transitional phase. In fact, they are arguably the best team in Europe right now, notably leading the Premier League table by a whopping 25 point margin.
Moving to Anfield will provide Sancho with an exciting opportunity to work under Jurgen Klopp, arguably the best coach in football over the past 18 months. His tactical knowledge, mentality and expertise will surely improve the English international while simultaneously giving him an excellent chance to potentially win the Premier League title next season.
However, the problem with Sancho moving to Liverpool is that it remains doubtful whether he will be regarded as a first-team individual. His role at the club will depend on the futures of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, both of who currently occupy the two wider attacking slots in Klopp’s 4-3-3 shape.
Aside from that, however, there are not many downsides behind the attacker’s potential move to Anfield – making it arguably the most logical destination for Sancho this summer.