Jadon Sancho: Leader named in Aston Villa and Bundesliga race to agreeing deal

Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund are at the head of the race to complete a summer move for Jadon Sancho.

The winger, currently on loan at Villa, will leave Man United on a free transfer this summer, five years after he arrived in a deal worth around £73million.

He has made just 83 appearances in that time, and will undoubtedly go down as one of the less attractive pieces of business at Old Trafford.

Unai Emery has been full of praise for Sancho, and could be ready to convince decision-makers at Villa Park to sign him this summer.

The winger returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan in 2024, but Villa may intervene with any plan for a more permanent reunion.

Bookies name Jadon Sancho favourites

For much of the first half of this season, Emery appeared to neglect the option of Sancho in his squad.

The winger was brought on for brief appearances off the bench, and rarely produced a contribution of note.

A string of improved performances has seen Sancho start to capture Emery’s attention, however.

The 25-year-old scored his first Villa goal against Fenerbahce in the Europa League in January, and he has continued to play a prominent part in recent weeks.

While that increase in game time appears to have coincided with a difficult period in Villa’s season, Sancho has stood out among the better performers.

Sources have told Football Insider that Sancho would be open to joining Villa permanently this summer.

And one major bookmaker has named the West Midlands club, along with Borussia Dortmund, 2/1 favourites to sign the Englishman.

Galatasaray (4/1), AC Milan (4/1) and Fenerbahce (5/1) have also been named among the main contenders for the forward’s signature.

What has Unai Emery said about Sancho?

Emery’s current focus, of course, will be concerned with ensuring that Villa can retain their spot in the Premier League’s top four.

At one stage, the Villans looked to be putting together a credible challenge for the Premier League title this season.

It has been a harsh fall back down to Earth in recent weeks, however. Friday’s defeat to bottom-club Wolves has seen Emery’s side leapfrogged by Man United, and only three points ahead of Liverpool.

Whether Villa secure qualification for the Champions League could weigh heavily on Sancho’s future in the summer.

Asked in February if he has considered a permanent move, Emery said: “Not yet, but he is a fantastic player. Hopefully he can help us by increasing his qualities in our structure like he is doing.

“He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here. If he plays his best football, we will want him. But also other teams could be involved in the interest for him.”

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