Jadon Sancho transfer: ‘Discussions’ ongoing between Man Utd and Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ettifaq, the side managed by Steven Gerrard, have reportedly opened negotiations over a deal to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star was left out of United’s matchday squad for the trip to Arsenal last weekend, with manager Erik ten Hag subsequently claiming Sancho had been omitted due to his performances in training that week.

However, Sancho took to social media within hours and refuted those claims. The 23-year-old labelled those accusations as ‘completely untrue’ and added his performances in training had not been substandard. Sancho also claimed he had been ‘made a scapegoat’ by the United boss.

It has led to questions being raised about Sancho’s long-term future at the club, and Chelsea were linked with a move earlier this summer. Now the ex-Manchester City youth-team star is reportedly the latest star to be of interest to the Saudi Pro League.

As per CBS Sport, ‘Al-Ettifaq are set to launch an 11th hour bid’ to sign Sancho on loan, and discussions over a deal have already been opened. Al-Ettifaq would be keen on adding a buy option, but given the time constraints on the move, a straight loan may have to be agreed. The Saudi Pro League transfer shuts on Thursday, and Al-Ettifaq would have less than 12 hours to conclude a deal. CBS add ‘it remains to be seen whether Sancho himself will be open to the move’.

Gerrard has already recruited Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demari Gray this summer, as well as ex-Celtic forward Moussa Dembele.

As for Sancho, a move to Saudi Arabia would mark a distinct downturn in what was an initially promising career. The attacker impressed at Dortmund at a young age, and registered 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 appearances. But he’s underwhelmed for United and has just 18 goal involvements from 82 matches.