TNT Sports
Manchester United prepared to let Jadon Sancho leave Old Trafford on a free transfer next summer - Paper Round
By
Published 27/09/2025 at 23:26 GMT+1
Manchester United are prepared to let winger Jadon Sancho leave for nothing in the summer, while Vinicius Junior is reportedly unhappy at Real Madrid. Elsewhere, Liverpool are linked with a move for Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as an alternative to Marc Guehi, and Slaven Bilic almost replaced Graham Potter before West Ham United chose Nuno Espirito Santo.
Highlights: Brentford pile more pressure on Man Utd after incident-packed clash
Video credit: TNT Sports
United willing to release Sancho
The Mirror believes that Manchester United have so little faith in Jadon Sancho that they will not activate a 12-month contract extension.
Instead, they are prepared to let him leave on a free transfer next summer, rather than hope to get a small fee.
The paper reports: "Manchester United are prepared to sacrifice getting any kind of transfer fee for Jadon Sancho as club chiefs lean towards letting him leave for nothing.
"After a stint back in the Bundesliga with Dortmund and last season's ill-fated spell at Chelsea, he's now on loan at Aston Villa. And The Villans are hopeful that they can get the ex-Manchester City youngster back to something like his best, before signing him permanently at the end of the season.
"At that point Sancho is hopeful of becoming a free agent. His current £200k-a-week deal at United runs out in June, but The Red Devils have the option to activate a 12-month extension to his current contract.
"That would subsequently allow United to demand a small fee, with the club aware that they simply won't see big money for the winger. But such a move would risk complicating a possible transfer for Sancho elsewhere.
"And it's understood United are so keen to see the back of Sancho, that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to let him walk out on the club for nothing - bringing to an end one of the most disastrous signings in English football history."
Vinicius Junior relationship with Alonso strained
The Athletic reports that the relationship between forward Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is far from settled.
Alonso has often failed to pick the Brazilian in the starting 11 this season, amid speculation that he is wanted in the Premier League.
The website states: "The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Junior has been one of the major talking points of Real Madrid’s early season.
"Even before the campaign began last month, those around the Brazilian forward had concerns about how it would go. As it became clear Vinicius Junior’s status had diminished as Madrid played this summer’s Club World Cup under new coach Alonso, sources close to the 25-year-old - speaking anonymously as they did not have permission to comment publicly, like all those cited here - told The Athletic it was ‘not going to be an easy season’ for him.
"The situation with Alonso now provides Vinicius Junior with a different test than what he has faced before. This is his eighth season at the Bernabeu. He has a very established sense of his own worth and importance to the team, backed up by his achievements for Madrid to date.
"But the impression is that both coach and player want more from each other, and everyone around the club will be keeping a very close eye on how the situation develops over the months ahead."
Liverpool line up Konate alternatives
Liverpool are again linked to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as they anticipate the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid.
However, reports in Germany suggest that Guehi is also attracting interest from Real, and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has emerged as an alternative.
The Daily Star explains: "Liverpool are reportedly still interested in Guehi, but the defender is soon able to negotiate with clubs abroad as a free agent, with Real Madrid said to be eager. The Spanish giants' alleged interest has prompted Liverpool into action, with [Arne] Slot's team rumoured to have shifted their focus to Upamecano, according to Bild.
"Upamecano, who once partnered Konate in defence at RB Leipzig, is also embroiled in a contract dispute. However, it's suggested that Bayern would be keen to extend his contract.
"Bayern spent £36 million on Upamecano in 2021, and he has since helped them secure three Bundesliga titles. Real Madrid are also reportedly eyeing Konate, adding another layer of complexity to Liverpool's ongoing search for a centre-back, which could speed up a deal for either Guehi or Upamecano."
West Ham almost appointed Bilic
West Ham United came close to appointing Slaven Bilic as the replacement for Graham Potter, according to the Daily Mail.
Instead, West Ham plumped for Nuno Espirito Santo after they were able to work out a way to afford the Portuguese coach.
The paper writes: "Potter took his press conference as usual on Friday and spoke about how he had held ‘positive talks’ with owner David Sullivan about his future.
"However, the club were finalising talks with Nuno and struck a deal on Friday night with Potter given the news first thing the next morning.
"The club had also considered former Hammers boss Slaven Bilic on a short-term deal before focusing on Nuno once it became clear they could make the finances work."
- - -
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement