🚨 AS Roma Submit Permanent Transfer Bid for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho
The transfer window has a way of producing surprises, and this summer is proving no different. In a move that could reshape both Manchester United’s squad and AS Roma’s attacking options, reports confirm that the Italian side has submitted a permanent bid for Jadon Sancho. The news has sent ripples across the football world, with fans and pundits alike dissecting what this deal could mean for all parties involved.
Sancho’s journey at Old Trafford has been far from straightforward. Signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for a reported £73 million, the England international was heralded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His technical flair, dribbling ability, and creativity in the final third made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared wingers. Yet, his time in the Premier League has been marked by inconsistency, limited game time, and off-field tensions — most notably with current manager Erik ten Hag.
The Backstory of Sancho at Manchester United
Jadon Sancho arrived in Manchester with sky-high expectations after excelling in Germany. At Dortmund, he averaged double-digit goals and assists across multiple seasons, becoming a nightmare for defenders in both domestic and European competitions. His link-up play, vision, and ability to operate on either flank made him a complete wide attacker.
However, adapting to the Premier League proved more challenging than many anticipated. Injuries, tactical changes, and the constant managerial transitions at United have hindered his development. His most productive spell arguably came under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, when he began showing flashes of his Dortmund form. But those glimpses have not been enough to cement him as a consistent starter.
The 2023–24 season brought even more turbulence. Sancho’s public fallout with Erik ten Hag over training performances and professionalism led to his exclusion from the first team. This absence was followed by a loan move back to Borussia Dortmund in January 2024, where he helped them in their Champions League run but did not fully recapture his old magic.
Roma’s Interest — A Perfect Fit?
AS Roma, managed by the experienced Daniele De Rossi after José Mourinho’s departure, are in the midst of reshaping their squad. The Giallorossi are seeking players who can bring flair, creativity, and end product to their attack — qualities Sancho possesses in abundance when confident and fully fit.
Serie A could offer the slower, more technical style of play that suits Sancho’s strengths. Unlike the relentless pace and physicality of the Premier League, Italian football often allows creative players more time on the ball. Roma’s tactical setup, typically involving a 4-2-3-1 or a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation, could position Sancho as either a winger or a central playmaker behind the striker.
Roma also have a track record of reviving the careers of players who have struggled elsewhere. Paulo Dybala, once considered past his best by some, rediscovered top form in the Italian capital. Sancho might view this as a similar opportunity to reignite his career, free from the pressure and spotlight of the English media.
The Financial Side of the Deal
Manchester United’s acceptance of a permanent bid would signal their willingness to cut ties and move forward without Sancho. While the exact figures of Roma’s offer remain undisclosed at this stage, it is unlikely to match the £73 million United initially paid.
United’s priority may be freeing up wages and generating funds for reinforcements, especially as Erik ten Hag looks to continue rebuilding the squad in his image. Offloading Sancho permanently would remove a high earner from the payroll and allow the club to target new signings in positions of need — potentially a central midfielder, striker, or right-back.
For Roma, this would represent a major investment, but one with potentially high rewards. If Sancho returns to his Dortmund-level form, he could become a match-winner in Serie A and a leader in European competitions. The club’s American ownership has shown a willingness to invest in big names, and Sancho’s signing would undoubtedly excite the fanbase.
Impact on Manchester United
If Sancho departs permanently, United will need to consider who fills the void on the wings. The squad already has attacking options in Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony, but each comes with their own limitations. Garnacho is young and still developing consistency, Antony has been under heavy scrutiny for his performances, and Rashford’s preferred position is on the left, not the right.
This could push United into the market for another winger — potentially someone more aligned with Ten Hag’s high-pressing, quick-transition system. Alternatively, it could open the door for academy prospects to get more first-team opportunities.
Sancho’s departure could also be symbolic for United’s ongoing rebuild: the end of yet another high-profile signing who failed to live up to expectations, underscoring the need for a more strategic recruitment approach.
Impact on AS Roma
For Roma, acquiring Sancho would be a statement of intent. They have ambitions not only to secure a top-four spot in Serie A but also to challenge for trophies in Europe. Adding a player of Sancho’s pedigree could help bridge the gap with Italian giants like Inter Milan and Juventus.
If Dybala and Sancho can link up effectively, Roma’s attack could become one of the most dynamic in the league. With Tammy Abraham returning from injury and Lorenzo Pellegrini pulling strings in midfield, the Giallorossi could have the creativity and finishing power to challenge any defense.
A Fresh Start for Sancho
Ultimately, this potential transfer might be about more than just tactics and finances — it’s about Sancho’s need for a fresh start. At 25, he still has several peak years ahead of him, but the longer he stays in a situation where he is not trusted or used regularly, the more his career risks stagnating.
Italy could provide the perfect environment for him to rebuild his confidence and rediscover the joy of football. The passionate yet less invasive nature of Italian sports media compared to England might also give him breathing room to focus solely on performance.
The Road Ahead
Whether this deal gets completed will depend on negotiations between the clubs, personal terms, and Sancho’s willingness to commit to a move abroad again. Roma’s offer signals intent, but United could hold out for a fee they deem appropriate, especially if other suitors emerge late in the window.
For United fans, the news might be bittersweet. Many will feel Sancho never got a fair chance to fully settle and showcase his talent in England. Others will view his sale as necessary to move the club forward. For Roma supporters, however, the prospect of landing a high-profile, technically gifted player is nothing short of thrilling.
In football, careers can be defined as much by the timing of moves as by talent itself. If this transfer happens, it could be the turning point Sancho needs — and the creative spark Roma have been searching for.
One thing is certain: this story is far from over. If the bid is accepted, the 2025–26 season could see Jadon Sancho lighting up Serie A, while Manchester United turn yet another page in their post-Ferguson rebuild. The coming days will reveal whether this headline becomes reality or just another tantalising “what if” in the summer transfer market.