BORUSSIA DORTMUND EAGER TO SNAP UP JADON SANCHO
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering a third stint for Jadon Sancho, but only on a free transfer. The Manchester United winger, currently on loan at Aston Villa, sees his contract expire in 2025.
Borussia Dortmund keen to re-sign Sancho on free transfer from Manchester United - COURTESY/PHOTO
Football Insider sources claim that Borussia Dortmund is considering a third attempt to re-sign Jadon Sancho. The winger's contract with Manchester United is set to expire next summer, and the Bundesliga team is reportedly keeping a close eye on his status.
Sancho, who is now on loan at Aston Villa, has not started a Premier League game this season as he has battled to establish himself under Unai Emery. The 25-year-old's name still has a lot of weight in European football circles, especially in Germany, where his reputation is still high, even after a challenging few years.
According to sources, Dortmund is unwilling to pay a fee but would be interested in bringing Sancho back if he became available on a free transfer. "Borussia Dortmund will not pay a fee for Sancho, but they are interested in him if he becomes available on a free transfer," the report said.
The path Sancho has taken has not been simple. He transferred to Dortmund in 2017 after graduating from Manchester City's academy, where he blossomed into one of the continent's most promising young players. He was one of the most entertaining players in the Bundesliga because of his flair, confidence, and inventiveness.
He was expected to become a Premier League superstar after his £73 million move to Manchester United in 2021. Rather, his tenure at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency, injury, and off-field problems. He found it difficult to duplicate the form that made him a favourite among German fans, despite occasional bursts of genius.
Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January 2024, regaining some of his confidence and form. His rapid return to the team was demonstrated by the fact that he even started in their Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. The question of whether he was just more adapted to Dortmund's environment and system was rekindled during that stint.
Now that it appears more likely that he will leave Old Trafford, a third reunion may be imminent. Sancho still has time to rebuild his career at the age of 25, and Dortmund may once again provide him with the right atmosphere to succeed because of their familiarity with him and faith in his skills.
Allowing Sancho to depart on a free would be the conclusion of an expensive chapter for United. Since there are no indications that the team would extend his contract by one year, all eyes will soon be on whether the new Old Trafford management can afford to let such a gifted player leave for nothing.
CESC FABREGAS INSISTS COMO PLAYERS MAINTAIN HUMILITY AMID GROWING ATTENTION AND PRAISE
Cesc Fabregas urges his Como side to stay humble but demands more after their draw with Napoli. The coach wants his team to take the "next step" and dominate games in their Serie A campaign.
Cesc Fabregas urges Como to embrace humility - COURTESY/PHOTO
As his team is ready to play Cagliari in Serie A following their thrilling 0-0 draw with Napoli, Cesc Fabregas urged Como to remain modest but keep striving for more.
During his pregame press conference, Fabregas stated, "We are still at the beginning, but the team is evolving," according to quotes from TuttoMercatoWeb.
"The players have faith in our abilities, we are giving up fewer goals, and the younger players continue to step up." We still have room for improvement, particularly in games like Bologna, Genoa, and Cremonese.
Fabregas is " insane not to win" against Napoli.
Fabregas said that he was "mad not to win" after the goalless draw at the Maradona, but he also stated that Como needs to take "one more step" to develop into a team that dominates games.
"We are working on how we attack, but we need to shoot more," he continued. I want us to be more dominant now that I see a full team.
Regarding injuries, Fabregas stated that Kempf is healthy enough to play, but Goldaniga will need surgery and be out for about two months. Sergi Roberto is anticipated to return following the international break, and Dossena should shortly resume training.
The former Barcelona midfielder also commended his team's mindset, saying, "We have to win and not lose if we want to be up there." We must defeat Cagliari in order for Napoli to earn a point.
Fabregas grinned and responded, "Never," when asked if Como would ever give up possession. It does not exist for me, but perhaps you may score on the counter. I want to win, so I am a bit Italianizing.
MAN UTD POISED FOR EUROPEAN ADVANTAGE, THOMAS FRANK SHARES INSIGHT
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank admits Man Utd have a key top-four advantage due to no European football. He also called this the "most competitive" Premier League season he's seen.
Thomas Frank says Man Utd hold advantage in Champions League battle - IMAGO/NurPhoto
In the "most competitive" Premier League, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank believes Manchester United has a significant edge in the fight for Champions League qualifying.
Spurs will play Man United at midday on Saturday in a replay of the Europa League final that took place in Bilbao in May.
Despite their worst-ever Premier League finish, Tottenham won their first trophy in 17 years under Frank's predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, thanks to a goal by Brennan Johnson in the first half. They also guaranteed a spot in this season's Champions League.
Spurs and Manchester United are currently sixth and eighth in the league with 17 points after 10 games, respectively, as both teams have improved this time around.
However, former Brentford manager Frank recognised that Ruben Amorim's team's exclusion from Europe will help their top-four challenge, and he believes the Premier League is the most competitive he can recall, especially with Sunderland and Bournemouth presently in the top five.
"It is definitely a benefit," Frank emphasised.
"We want to be able to compete in both because that is where we want to be," I stated at the outset.
"We must be able to compete in the Champions League while maintaining our league performance.
"There are no two ways about it; it is for the fans, the prestige, the money, everything, our goals, and what we hope to accomplish, but having a week to get ready for a game and feel fresh is significant!
"Overall, I believe that this season's Premier League is the most competitive I have ever seen. I have been here for five years.
"The teams do not really interact. As for the other games, I overheard (Arne) Slot discuss the Aston Villa game, the narrow margins in that game as well, the shift in momentum in games, and how fiercely competitive it is.
"I believe that the conventional big six have emerged in the previous two years; Newcastle is in the running for a top seven, and Villa is up there, so that is eight all at once."
Then some teams have performed exceptionally well. Brighton and Bournemouth are also involved, so the competition is fierce.
"Then, when you want to be up there, playing in Europe and competing in the league, it is just a different beast."
Despite only losing four league games the previous season, Arsenal went on a £250 million summer shopping binge because squad depth is essential to being able to compete on numerous fronts.
Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani are the four important players Tottenham acquired during the first transfer window under Frank, but they are still hampered by injury.
Due to a persistent ankle problem that has prevented Dominic Solanke from playing for Spurs since August 23, Frank raised doubts about his chances of returning in 2025, even though he underwent minor surgery at the beginning of October.
"I do hope so," Frank responded when asked if he would play before 2026.
"Let us watch what occurs after the international break," I would advise. We continue to make progress. So far, it is on track.