The England international is back at Manchester United after Chelsea chose not to make use of the purchase clause after a mediocre loan spell. Sancho was reportedly unwilling to take a pay cut, which led to Chelsea paying a fine to send him back to Old Trafford.
This creates new challenges for United, who now have to find a buyer for the 25-year-old winger – while still having to pay his high wages.
Read: Leeds confirm third summer signing and send three players out of the gates at Elland Road
Difficult to find buyer
Although Sancho has several interested clubs, it is precisely his salary that makes a transfer difficult. No European club seems willing to match his current salary at United, which means he must be willing to take a pay cut.
Napoli and Juventus in talks
Both Napoli and Juventus have been in talks with Sancho and United about a potential transfer. Juventus, in particular, seem to have increased their commitment to a deal.
Juventus offers barter
According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have tried to make a deal more attractive to United by offering players they want to get rid of – in the same way they did earlier this summer during the negotiations for Antony.
During “informal talks” last week, Juventus mentioned several players they are willing to trade, although these deals would technically have to be separate for accounting reasons.
The three players offered to United were:
- Douglas Luiz – previously discussed in the Antony negotiations
- Dušan Vlahović
- Timothy Weah
All three are players Juventus want to get out of the club.
Status Now
Romano stresses that there have been no new developments in the swap as of now, but he confirms that Sancho himself is interested in a move to Juventus. The biggest obstacle to a deal is not United’s sale price, but Sancho’s high wage demands.
Thus, United are still facing a difficult situation with a player who costs them large sums of money without contributing on the pitch.
Read on English Clubs: Manchester United turn around again against Premier League star Ollie Watkins
