Al Ettifaq unsuccessful with late bid to sign Jadon Sancho

• Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq held discussions with Manchester United over Jadon Sancho
• Manchester United were willing to let Sancho leave on a loan deal but with an obligation to buy
• The deal could not materialize ahead of Saudi Pro League’s transfer deadline day on Thursday

In the closing hours of the Saudi Pro League’s transfer deadline, Al Ettifaq made a bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. The saga unfolded amid reports that the Pro League club had engaged in discussions with intermediaries, with both Manchester United and Jadon Sancho showing openness to a potential deal.

However, the intricacies of the proposed agreement quickly proved to be a stumbling block that ultimately prevented the transfer.

The initial proposal involved the idea of a loan deal, a common approach to transfers in the world of football. Yet, the terms presented by Manchester United appeared to be far from standard. The club was reportedly only willing to consider a loan deal if it came with a substantial financial obligation.

This obligation was rumored to be in excess of £50 million, an amount that was beyond the capabilities of Al Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League club seeking to secure Sancho’s services.

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Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq was keen on signing Jadon Sancho on a loan deal but the deal failed ahead of Saudi Pro League deadline day. | PHOTO: Goal |

The Pro League had been eager to make a statement signing by bringing in Jadon Sancho, a player of considerable talent and reputation. His addition would have undoubtedly added a significant dose of star power to the league. However, the intricacies of such a transfer proved to be a daunting task, especially given the limited time frame within which the negotiations had to take place.

It’s worth noting that the dynamics of the situation might have been different if the pursuit of Jadon Sancho had been led by one of the Saudi Pro League’s PIF-backed clubs, such as Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, or Al Nassr. These clubs possess substantial financial backing and resources, which might have enabled them to navigate the complex terms proposed by Manchester United. However, the ticking clock was always working against the possibility of completing such a high-profile transfer in a matter of days.

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Despite the setback in Saudi Arabia, there remains interest in Jadon Sancho from clubs in Turkey. However, the financial package that Manchester United is reportedly seeking makes a move to Turkey appear highly improbable. The financial demands associated with the transfer, which include not only a significant loan fee but also the player’s wages and other associated costs, are likely to be prohibitive for Turkish clubs.

As the transfer window drama played out, Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United remained uncertain. The winger had found himself at the center of attention following comments made by manager Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag publicly revealed that Sancho had been omitted from the squad to face Arsenal due to poor performance in training.

In response to this revelation, Jadon Sancho expressed his frustration on social media, suggesting that he felt like a ‘scapegoat’ for the team’s struggles.

This public exchange of words between player and manager clearly rattled the waters at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s management reportedly grew so discontented with the situation that they were willing to entertain the idea of parting ways with the 23-year-old winger during the transfer window.

With the transfer deadline now closed, it remains to be seen how and when Jadon Sancho will be reintegrated into Manchester United’s first-team setup. The club will need to address the issues that have arisen and work towards a resolution that best serves the interests of both the player and the team. The saga surrounding Jadon Sancho’s future continues, leaving fans and football enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding story.