Man Utd Outcast Jadon Sancho Holds Transfer Talks With Three Turkish Clubs Amid Struggles on Loan at Aston Villa

Sancho Reportedly in Negotiations With Turkish Giants as His Aston Villa Spell Unravels

Jadon Sancho’s career continues to drift further away from the heights many expected he would reach when he arrived at Manchester United back in 2021. Now, the winger — currently on loan at Aston Villa — has reportedly opened discussions with three Turkish clubs, adding yet another dramatic layer to what has been one of football’s most puzzling career downturns in recent years.

According to several reports, including one from CaughtOffside, Sancho and his representatives travelled to Istanbul over the international break to hold meetings with officials from Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray. With his minutes at Villa limited and his future at United practically nonexistent, the 25-year-old appears to be weighing up a fresh start — and Turkey may be the most serious destination in the January transfer window.

Sancho’s Struggles at Aston Villa Continue

Liverpool v Aston Villa – Premier League

When Sancho joined Aston Villa on loan, the move seemed like it could finally offer him a real reset. Under Unai Emery, Villa have been one of the most tactically organised and consistent sides in the Premier League. The hope — at least from Sancho’s side — was that he might rediscover the confidence and freedom that made him such a standout talent at Borussia Dortmund.

But so far, that revival hasn’t materialised.

Sancho has started just three games for Villa, struggling to break into Emery’s preferred system. Whether it’s fitness, form, or simply not fitting the tactical blueprint, the reality is clear: his impact has been minimal. And frustration appears to be growing.

It’s another difficult chapter for a player who, not long ago, was seen as one of England’s brightest prospects.

How Things Fell Apart at Manchester United

To understand Sancho’s current situation, it’s impossible to ignore how dramatically things collapsed for him at Old Trafford.

His troubles began early in the 2023–24 season when he clashed publicly with then-manager Erik ten Hag. After Ten Hag criticised his training performances, Sancho responded with a social media post claiming he had been made a scapegoat. The fallout was severe: he was banished from the first team and forced to train alone.

In January 2024, he returned to Dortmund on loan. There were flashes of promise, moments where it seemed like he might be finding his feet again — but it wasn’t a complete reset. Dortmund chose not to pursue a permanent move.

United then sent him to Chelsea on a season-long loan. Again, he failed to convince. Chelsea, searching for stability under constant managerial change, decided against signing him permanently.

By the following summer, United had no serious permanent bidders. Sancho was placed in the club’s infamous “Bomb Squad” — a group of unwanted players training separately — before Aston Villa finally took him on loan.

But the question now is simple: where does he go from here?

Is Jadon Sancho Heading to Turkey?

Sancho’s trip to Istanbul appears to be more than just exploratory. As reported, he and his representatives met with senior figures from all three Turkish Super Lig powerhouses — Fenerbahce, Besiktasand Galatasaray — in a luxury hotel setting where each club presented their long-term vision.

All three clubs are known for their passionate supporters, high-pressure environments, and willingness to bet big on talented players whose careers need a reset. In that sense, Turkey could offer Sancho a mix of competitiveness, spotlight, and a fresh slate.

While it remains unclear which club is leading the race, one thing is certain: a Turkish move is no longer just a rumour — it’s a real possibility.

Another surprising detail is Sancho’s salary stance. The winger currently earns around £13 million per season at United, but he is reportedly ready to cut that down significantly — potentially to £7–8 million — in order to secure a permanent exit. That alone shows how determined he is to find a new home.

Dortmund Still Interested — But Uncertain

Interestingly, Borussia Dortmund haven’t completely stepped away from Sancho. Reports from Sport Bild suggest that the club remain admirers of the winger and could attempt another move for him in January — this time on a permanent basis if the price is right.

However, this potential reunion isn’t as straightforward as it once might have been.

For one, Dortmund’s managerial situation has changed. During Sancho’s previous spell, Edin Terzić was in charge. Now, Niko Kovač leads the team, and he has never been known as a coach who prioritises traditional wingers. His systems often rely more on compact midfielders and inverted forwards — roles that don’t perfectly suit Sancho’s natural game.

The club is also said to be worried about his physical condition. His lack of sharpness and fitness has been a recurring concern both at Villa and before that at Chelsea. Dortmund, a club with high pressing intensity, may hesitate about integrating a player who is not yet at peak condition.

Still, they haven’t walked away. That alone speaks volumes about what Dortmund still believe Sancho could be, if he can find the right environment.

Shearer’s Message: Fix Your Attitude

Sancho’s talent has never been doubted — but his mentality has repeatedly been questioned. And last month, Premier League legend Alan Shearer offered a blunt assessment during a Betfair interview.

“I don’t know what’s going on with Jadon Sancho in terms of his training or his life, but he’s got an opportunity at Villa now, and if it doesn’t work out here, people will look back and say, ‘Hang on, you’ve been given so many opportunities.’ You can only have so many.”

Shearer highlighted what many fans and pundits have been thinking: at some point, the responsibility lies with the player.

His message was firm but fair:

“There’s only one way around it and that is hard work. Get your head down, get your attitude right, and if you do that, things will turn around.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by coaches, pundits and supporters alike. Talent might open the door — but attitude determines whether you stay inside.

What’s Next for Sancho?

Brentford v Aston Villa – Carabao Cup Third Round

Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday, away at Leeds, but it’s unclear whether Sancho will have any meaningful role in the match. If anything, his trip to Istanbul suggests he already sees his future elsewhere.

Right now, there are four clubs seriously linked:

• Fenerbahce

• Besiktas

• Galatasaray

• Borussia Dortmund

Three of them offer a fresh adventure in a new league. The other offers familiarity and a chance to reconnect with his best footballing self.

But the bigger question is whether Sancho is ready — mentally and physically — to rebuild his career. He’s still only 25. There is time. But the window of patience in elite football is shrinking fast.

What comes next could define the rest of his career. A new league, a new coach, a new environment — maybe that’s exactly what he needs. Or maybe the real change has to come from within.

Either way, January is shaping up to be a decisive month for the Manchester United outcast.

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