Jadon Sancho’s European Options Close as Turkey and Gulf Clubs Enter the Race

DORTMUND, Germany — Jadon Sancho is assessing offers from outside Europe’s traditional elite competitions after Borussia Dortmund ruled out a third spell for the former England international winger. Representatives have explored possible moves to the Saudi Pro League, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, with Arabian Falcons among the clubs linked with interest. The Dubai-based team is managed by former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

Sancho’s contract at Manchester United has expired, leaving the 26-year-old on the free-agent market as top European clubs follow stricter squad limits and wage structures. His options are increasingly being directed toward rapidly expanding leagues in the Middle East and Southeastern Europe.

Dortmund, where Sancho built his reputation during an initial four-year tenure, had been mentioned as a possible destination after an injury to attacking midfielder Giannis Konstantelias. Instead, the German club addressed its squad depth by taking young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan from English Premier League side Arsenal.

Speaking before Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over SC Paderborn, manager Niko Kovac rejected speculation about Sancho’s return and pointed to squad balance and youth development.

“I think we had a really good transfer summer. We’re very well positioned,” Kovac said. “The squad is already very large. We have 26 outfield players, many of them young. Therefore, we don’t need to concern ourselves with that.”

The decision represents a sharp change for a player who was among world football’s most sought-after prospects three years ago. Sancho came through Watford’s youth system before joining Manchester City in 2015, then moved from City to Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 for an £8 million transfer aimed at securing regular first-team opportunities.

During his first spell in Germany from 2017 to 2021, Sancho made 137 appearances in all competitions, scoring 50 goals and providing 64 assists. He scored twice in Dortmund’s 4-1 DFB-Pokal final win over RB Leipzig in 2021, helping the club lift the trophy.

That form also brought Sancho 23 senior England caps and three international goals, along with a place in England’s UEFA Euro 2020 squad. Manchester United later completed a £73 million ($101 million) transfer for him in July 2021, signing him to a five-year contract.

His output at Old Trafford was lower than during his Bundesliga spell: across 83 Manchester United appearances, he scored 12 goals and recorded six assists. Loan moves then failed to restore long-term stability.

Chelsea chose not to exercise its option to sign Sancho permanently after a loan spell, instead paying Manchester United a £5 million contractual penalty fee. A subsequent loan at Aston Villa produced limited starting opportunities under manager Unai Emery.