Key Takeaways:
- Jadon Sancho rejected a proposed transfer to Roma, halting a £20m deal
- Manchester United will seek alternative buyers before the summer transfer deadline
- Besiktas have shown interest but Sancho is reluctant to move to Turkey at this stage
Sancho Declines Roma Switch Amid Interest from Elsewhere
Jadon Sancho has declined a move to AS Roma, dealing a blow to Manchester United’s hopes of recouping £20million for the unsettled winger. The Serie A club had reportedly agreed on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, including an upfront payment, but the transfer has now collapsed following the England international’s refusal to agree terms.
🚨⚠️ Jadon Sancho, currently not accepting AS Roma proposal and not even in talks with Besiktas now.
No agreement between Sancho and Roma on personal terms, despite Man United ready to accept £20m bid.
Besiktas deal in stand-by as Sancho won’t consider Turkey before September. pic.twitter.com/YthkLb6Is4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sancho’s representative has communicated the decision to Roma, thereby ending talks. The 25-year-old is now weighing up alternative opportunities as United aim to finalise his departure before the conclusion of the European transfer window on 1 September.
Besiktas Maintain Interest but Face Delay
Besiktas are among the clubs pursuing Sancho, having opened discussions two weeks ago to explore the terms of a potential deal. However, it is believed that the winger is not yet ready to consider a switch to Turkey. The Turkish transfer window remains open until 12 September, offering Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer further time to attempt a reunion with his former player.
United Seeking Funds for Additions
Manchester United are continuing efforts to bolster manager Ruben Amorim’s squad following more than £200million in summer expenditure on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. However, the failure to secure Sancho’s exit complicates plans to free up funds for additional reinforcements.
The club’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal has further highlighted the need for reinforcements, particularly in goal and midfield, as Amorim evaluates the resources available to him.
Other Departures Likely as United Restructure
With Marcus Rashford having joined Barcelona, fellow ‘bomb squad’ members Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Sancho remain training away from the senior group. Amorim is also reportedly open to offloading Rasmus Hojlund, who was excluded from the squad to face Arsenal. The 22-year-old featured for only 18 minutes against Everton in pre-season and was left out entirely against Fiorentina.
United remain hopeful of generating transfer income from players such as Garnacho, Antony, and Hojlund, all of whom have attracted interest. The uncertain future of Sancho, who is out of contract next summer, looms large. There is growing concern that the winger may be holding out for a free transfer, which would allow him to negotiate full control over his next destination and secure a signing bonus.
Manchester United’s Summer Window Summary
| Player | Status | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Matheus Cunha | Signed | Part of £200m total |
| Bryan Mbeumo | Signed | Part of £200m total |
| Benjamin Sesko | Signed | Part of £200m total |
| Marcus Rashford | Transferred to Barcelona | Undisclosed |
| Jadon Sancho | Rejected Roma move | Proposed £20m deal collapsed |
| Rasmus Hojlund | Available for transfer | TBD |
