In a recent episode of The Transfer Talk podcast (transcripted by The Daily Express), Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that Liverpool have a ‘really good chance’ of beating Manchester United in the race to acquire the services of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
On the same day, The Daily Mirror reported that the Reds had dropped their interest in the England international but Solhekol refused to rule out a move when he said in The Transfer Talk podcast (transcripted by The Daily Express),
“A couple of months ago it didn’t look like Manchester United were going to get into the Champions League.
“Of course things have changed with their upturn in form.
“I think there’s a lot of people being briefed that Manchester United are the favourites to sign him.
“I think if they’re in the Champions League, then that is definitely a possibility to see him play for Manchester United next season.
“But I wouldn’t count out Liverpool. I think Liverpool have got a really good chance of signing him as well.
“They’re a club who are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League, he’s almost guaranteed to be winning trophies and to be playing in the Champions League if he was to move there.”
Solhekol also went on to add (via The Daily Express), “I think we’d be jumping the gun to say he’s going to go to Manchester United or he’s definitely going to go to Liverpool.
“He’s a young player who’s got the world at his feet, he’s an absolutely sensational player, it would be fantastic to see him back in the Premier League and I think if he was going to come back to the Premier League obviously you’re thinking Liverpool, you’re thinking Manchester United and you’re thinking Chelsea.
“Those are the three clubs that have been making the running in trying to sign him.”
Sancho’s Extraordinary Campaign In The German Top-Flight
Sancho has managed to make himself a favourite amongst fans at the Signal Iduna Park after enjoying a productive season in the Bundesliga so far. The English prospect has registered 17 goals and 19 assists in 35 matches for Lucien Favre’s team this term across all fronts which sheds light on how much he has matured as a winger at Dortmund since the start of this campaign.
The London-born wide player has averaged 2.0 shots, 2.3 key passes and 2.6 dribbles per game in the German first division this season (stats via whoscored). His prolific numbers have enhanced his status in European football so it won’t be a surprise if Liverpool end up making a big-money offer for him in the coming weeks.
The 20-year-old has also secured 11 senior caps for the England national team while finding the back of the net twice for the Three Lions thus far. If Sancho can maintain his high standards in the offensive end of the pitch next season, then he should have a good chance of making himself a regular starter in Gareth Southgate’s first XI ahead of the UEFA European Championship, which is now scheduled to kick off in the summer of 2021 mainly because of the impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
What Will The English Whizkid Bring To Anfield?
Sancho has primarily operated as a right-winger for Favre’s side during this campaign, but he is also comfortable playing on the left flank if required. The former Manchester City speedster has successfully made 84.4% of his attempted passes in the Bundesliga this season (stats via whoscored) which goes to show that he hardly gives away the ball. What makes him such a unique talent is his ability to score and set-up goals consistently at the highest level. He has been involved in 36 goals for Dortmund this term which has not gone unnoticed as Liverpool and Man United look set to battle it out for his signature this summer.
Will Recruiting Sancho Be A Wise Move For The Merseyside Giants?
Bringing a potent winger of Sancho’s skill set and potential will undeniably add another dimension to Jurgen Klopp’s attack at Anfield. He will also provide some healthy competition for the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the race to secure a regular starting berth at Merseyside next season.
Hence, it could turn out to be a wise decision for the UEFA Super Cup champions if they decide to orchestrate a club-record deal to sign Sancho before the start of the new campaign. Klopp will also have more variety in his attacking department if he can convince the English starlet to make a switch back to his homeland where he has previously failed to justify his worth during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
