Manchester United finally signed their long-term target Jadon Sancho last summer. The Red Devils wanted to strike a deal for Sancho since 2019, but could only acquire him in 2021. The transfer of the England international cost them a total of £73 million. However, the amount is significantly less than what Borussia Dortmund wanted for Sancho.
United are now looking to repeat the Sancho model to obtain another target, Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona and United have been embroiled in negotiations for the midfielder for 2 weeks now. However, neither of the clubs could provide a breakthrough in the deal over a fee. But United have apparently finalized a deal for De Jong, who is wanted at ‘any costs’ by Ten Hag.
Since De Jong’s name appeared on United’s list, the transfer moved quite slowly. Moreover, the United fans sensed flashes of the Sancho saga where their club wasted significant time in a couple of summer transfer windows only to fail in striking a deal. On the other hand, United’s rivals Manchester City and Liverpool swiftly wrapped up deals for Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez respectively. But the patience and frustration of United fans could finally be paid off.
United to implement Sancho tactics for De Jong
Though United had to wait 2 years for Jadon Sancho, their patience however saved them enormous bucks. Borussia Dortmund had straightforwardly demanded a fee of £108 million for Sancho in 2019. United made it clear they won’t be able to pay such an amount and kept themselves away from the winger for two years.
However, their tactics worked and Dortmund finally agreed on a fee of £73 million for Sancho who expressed his strong desire to play for United. As a result, the 22-year-old sealed his ‘dream move’ last summer for a discounted fee of £73 million. United hence saved a massive £35 million by waiting for Dortmund to reduce the asking price.
Likewise, United could apply the same plan for De Jong this summer. Barcelona wants to balance their financial books and are ready to part ways with the Dutchman. However, they needed to make at least £85-£90 million from De Jong’s sale. But United showed stern reluctance in paying that amount which dragged the negotiations. Once again, their Sancho trick of ‘wait and watch’ has worked successfully as United have reportedly acquired De Jong for a cut-price of £56 million.
A medical is due for De Jong now at United, and the £56 million deal is only expected to rise to £73 million as part of add-ons. Nonetheless, United will once again save themselves from paying around £17-£20 million extra for De Jong. As evident, United for a second successive time have implemented the ‘Sancho trick’ for their prime target.
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