Roma have opened talks over a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, submitting a £20 million offer that is largely upfront but includes add-ons. The negotiations are in the early stages, and there is no clear indication yet on whether Sancho would be open to a move to Italy.
United are prioritising a permanent sale for the England international, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea. That stance could shift as the transfer window nears its conclusion. Roma are also targeting Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey on a loan deal to bolster their attacking options.
There is also interest from Borussia Dortmund in bringing Sancho back to the club United signed him from in 2021 for around £73 million. Sancho’s contract with United runs until next June, with an option for a further year.
The 25-year-old spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Chelsea, making 42 appearances. Chelsea’s agreement with United last summer included an obligation to make the move permanent for £25 million, but the terms for Sancho were not finalised, leading to Chelsea instead paying £5 million to return him to United. During his time at Chelsea, he contributed five goals and ten assists as the club won the Conference League and finished fourth in the Premier League.
Sancho was among five United first-team players left out of the club’s pre-season tour, alongside Marcus Rashford (now on loan at Barcelona), Tyrell Malacia, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony. The group were asked not to report for training until after 5pm, following the departure of the rest of the first-team squad.
In total, Sancho has made 83 appearances for United. His last appearance for the club came in the 2024 Community Shield against Manchester City, and he managed only three appearances in the 2023-24 season after a public disagreement with then-head coach Erik ten Hag, which led to him being sidelined and loaned to Dortmund in January 2024.
Roma finished fifth in Serie A last season and will compete in the Europa League this term under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Summary: Roma are pursuing Jadon Sancho with a £20m bid as they seek to strengthen their attack alongside plans to sign Leon Bailey on loan. The deal remains tentative amid Sancho’s current contract status and United’s preference for a permanent sale. Dortmund’s renewed interest and Roma’s Europa League campaign add a layer of complexity to the potential transfer.
What this could mean: If Sancho moves to Roma, it could provide him a fresh start under a coach known for attacking football and could reinvigorate his career in Serie A. For United, a permanent sale would free up squad space and wage considerations, while Roma’s long-term plans signal a bold approach to rebuilding their attack for a competitive season.
Bonus insight: A successful return to form for Sancho in Serie A would underscore the importance of fit, playing time and system in unlocking a player’s potential, rather than a fixed reputation from earlier years.