All summer, Manchester United have been linked with a big-money move for Jadon Sancho.Despite Borussia Dortmund insisting that the Englishman will be staying in Germany for the 2020/21 season, there is still hope United can pull off a sensational late deal.Those hopes only increased on Tuesday afternoon when it was revealed that Sancho would not be travelling with the Dortmund squad for their German Super Cup clash against Bayern Munich.Dortmund cited a 'respiratory infection' which stopped him from travelling along with goalkeeper Roman Burki. However, the pair had both tested positive for coronavirus.Naturally, United supporters read between the lines and assumed this was confirmation that Sancho would be joining their club ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline day.
However, almost at the same time news was being reported that Sancho wasn’t in Dortmund’s squad for their Super Cup clash, rather interesting reports were breaking in Spain.Spanish outlet, AS, reported that Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is now ‘very close’ to signing for United in a deal with between €50m-€60m.
They write: “Dembele of Barcelona is very close to closing his transfer to Manchester United. According to the information received, Barca would accept an offer of between 50 or 60 million euros for the French winger.”
The Spanish club are looking to offload Dembele in order to sign Memphis Depay.
Dembele arrived at the Camp Not for a reported €130m from Borussia Dortmund three years ago. However, his time in Spain has been plagued with injuries.
The 23-year-old has managed just 52 La Liga matches, making just five appearances in the league during 2019/20.
He’s still young, though, and €50m-€60m could prove to be a bargain if he can fulfil his incredible potential.
It’s no doubt a downgrade to Sancho but considering their start to the season, United fans will just be happy to be linked with a new signing.
Whether or not it’s all a smokescreen before they make a late move for Sancho remains to be seen.
But one thing is for sure, it’s going to be a very interesting few days of transfer activity at Old Trafford.