But with the January transfer window fast approaching and Sancho’s list of suitors supposedly growing by the day, what is the best option available to the United outcast?
Turkish Super Lig
The latest possibility to emerge for Sancho is the ill-fated switch to the Super Lig that many former Premier League players have made previously.
It has been reported that various unnamed Turkish clubs are interested in acquiring his services, and the previous willingness to take on underperforming stars from Europe’s top leagues would likely mean negotiations are smooth for United.
But while it might offer Champions League football and a good chance of silverware, a move to Turkey so often signals the end of a player’s career at the highest level. Still just 23, Sancho has so much more to give.
Saudi Pro League
Everything said about Turkey would previously apply to Saudi Arabia, too, but the stunning influx of experienced superstars, big-name players in their prime and developing youngsters makes this a more intriguing prospect.
Indeed, we are yet to see the effects of a move to the Gulf state on the career prospects of someone in their peak years, or approaching them. The new-found exposure in Saudi Arabia amid the league’s exponential growth could, though, act as a springboard to bigger and better things.
Barcelona
Barcelona are another club to have been loosely linked with Sancho, but it seems like a move is now off the cards. That’s hardly surprising given the Blaugrana’s perpetual financial difficulties; they are unlikely to want to pull one of their special ‘levers’ to bankroll an unnecessary deal for an out-of-form, out-of-favour winger.
Barca are more likely to want to focus their attentions on signing Joao Felix permanently, and the meteoric emergence of prodigious winger Lamine Yamal means Sancho is already surplus to requirements, with Ferran Torres and Raphinha also options out wide.
Juventus
In real terms, Juventus may well be Sancho’s most likely destination when January rolls around, but that doesn’t necessarily make it his best option. Though there are the shoots of recovery on the pitch, Juve are still incredibly chaotic off it, with the Italian betting scandal the latest controversy to rock the club following Paul Pogba’s positive test for a banned substance just weeks ago.
However, depending on the system Massimiliano Allegri chooses to adopt, there is a route to a starting berth for Sancho in Turin, as the Bianconeri lack quality strength in depth on the wings. Serie A may well suit his style of play, too.
Wait out Ten Hag
While United and Ten Hag are desperate to force him out at the earliest opportunity, it has been rumoured that Sancho is willing to rather callously bide his time and attempt to outlast the Dutchman instead, in the hope that he will soon be sacked.
Just how realistic that is remains to be seen; despite United’s stuttering form and some muted calls from supporters on social media, there are no murmurs that such a significant change is coming from a club that is notoriously leaky.
If this is Sancho’s cunning plan, he may well find that January comes round too soon for it to come to fruition.
Borussia Dortmund
They say ‘never go backwards’ in football, but a return to the loving embrace of Borussia Dortmund after such a testing period – one that will in all likelihood make him a deeply unpopular figure at Old Trafford even after Ten Hag is gone – would surely be hugely tempting to Sancho.
From a footballing perspective, it would make sense; he would likely settle back in quickly given he is familiar with the city, players, coaching staff and manager, and Dortmund lack out-and-out wingers.
However, if Sancho has designs on forcing his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England squad, returning to the Bundesliga may harm his chances; the manager was consistently hesitant to pick him during his last spell in Germany, and has publicly admitted that he doesn’t feel the level matches the Premier League.
It has also been suggested that his penchant for late-night gaming could also scupper a return to Signal Iduna Park.
Tottenham
Sancho was only briefly linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer and those rumours have since gone cold, but this is the move that would perhaps be best for both his club and international career.
Spurs are admittedly well-stocked in the wide areas, but they don’t possess someone with the quality that an in-form Sancho could offer – especially with Son Heung-min operating centrally following Harry Kane’s blockbuster summer exit.
It would require some work, both in terms of creating space in the squad and Ange Postecoglou restoring the winger’s confidence and form, but the Australian certainly adopts the brand of attacking football that should, in theory, get something close to the best out of Sancho.
Making an impression for a Spurs side who look set to be challenging at the top end of the Premier League should do his chances of resurrecting his international career no harm, too
