In what could be a huge statement of intent going into next season, Manchester United are set to prioritise a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho over Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer.
What’s the story?
According to The Mirror, United are planning to sacrifice any chance they had of securing Kane’s signature over the coming months as they concentrate on a deal for Sancho instead.
The report claims that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side can only afford one marquee signing in the upcoming transfer window due to the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic, meaning big decisions have had to be made by the club’s hierarchy.
Fans will be buzzing
Although in an ideal world, United fans would surely have loved to see both stars arrive at Old Trafford this summer, in reality, the vast majority will accept the fact that the funds simply aren’t available for that to happen.
Sancho has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, with a lengthy pursuit 12 months ago ending in disappointment as Ed Woodward baulked at the Bundesliga outfit’s £108 million asking price.
However, it is widely believed that the 21-year-old is available for a significantly reduced fee of just £75m this time around after Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc came to an agreement with the England international.
“We already had a gentlemen’s agreement with Jadon last year that he can switch under certain conditions,’ Zorc told German publication ARD (via Goal).
“He’s been with us for a couple of years. However, this agreement does not exist with Erling [Haaland].”
After a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign, Sancho rediscovered his best form at the Signal Iduna Park, bagging 16 goals and providing an incredible 20 assists in 38 appearances for BVB.
Therefore, news that he is United’s priority in the transfer window will surely have United fans buzzing, even if his potential arrive comes at the expense of Kane.
The Spurs hitman had another sensational season in north London, picking up the Premier League’s Golden Boot and Playmaker awards after topping the charts for both goals and assists.
After another trophyless campaign with Tottenham, though, rumours of an imminent exit have gathered pace in recent weeks, but a £150m price tag means his proposed departure is far from certain.
At double the price of Sancho and six years his senior, it’s easy to see why Kane is a less attractive option for United despite his world-class quality, and it seems as though the 20-time English champions are making the sensible, logical decision on this occasion, and that’s reason for United fans to get excited.
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