Manchester United are expected to see Jadon Sancho depart this summer, now it’s been suggested that a swap could be on the cards.
Jadon Sancho left Old Trafford on loan in January after a very public falling out with current manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United don’t expect to welcome him back as he begins to find a slight bit of form at Borussia Dortmund with a goal on his last outing.
Michael Owen had warned Sancho against permanently leaving United, telling the winger that the only way is down.
But with Dortmund unable to afford to buy Sancho straight up, as the club’s director confirmed, other options are being explored such as a swap and continuing the loan, according to BILD.
So with a swap deal in mind, here are three options for United should that happen.
Donyell Malen
The first name on this list is Donyell Malen, the Dutch forward who has been linked countless times already with a move to United.
As recently as December 2023, it was claimed that United had been offered the chance to sign Malen. Now, this could actually be a move worth doing.
This summer United need a striker to support and take the burden off Rasmus Hojlund as Anthony Martial is expected to leave.
This season, Malen has scored 13 goals and made two assists for Dortmund despite their domestic struggles which sees them 20 points off Leverkusen.
Swapping Sancho for Malen would take the need for a striker away, allowing other positions to be focussed on in the summer.
Nico Schlotterbeck
Another position in desperate need of strengthening this summer is the central defence, with two probably required.
This concern could be eased by Nico Schlotterbeck arriving in a swap deal with Sancho.
A left-footed, quick, aerially dominant defender who is just 24 would be perfect for United and could easily be an alternative to spending £75m on Jarrad Branthwaite.
He has been immense this season, winning 72 per cent of his tackles and 64 per cent of his duels along with 178 recoveries and 29 interceptions – as per FotMob.
A really impressive defender who could be perfect for United to provide strength in his position, while also meaning more funds would be available for a right-sided centre-back.
Karim Adeyemi
Possibly a left-field choice given the unlikely nature of it coming off, but Karim Adeyemi could be an absolute coup in a swap deal for Sancho.
Just 22, Adeyemi has taken a real back-step this season but his potential nonetheless is known to be substantial.
Just three goals this season and two assists is a poor return after his eight goals and five assists in all competitions last season.
Signing Adeyemi and giving him a role as an effective backup in all three forward positions could be perfect as it’d take the pressure off the rapidly quick forward.
There is no denying his ability and how good he could be, so he could be worth taking a punt on, but likely the third choice in this list.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/3J2ONAa