Over the past month, Borussia Dortmund have attempted to hold firm and claim Jadon Sancho will only be sold for a world record fee.
Hans-Joachim Watzke told BILD last month: “I can clearly say that even the very rich clubs, despite the existential crisis, do not have to believe that they can go on a bargain tour with us. We don’t have to sell anyone below value.”
But Dortmund can’t have it both ways, and their recent actions suggest that concerns about a deflated transfer market could lead to Sancho becoming available far cheaper than the £100-120 million price range he was categorised in, amid strong links to Manchester United [Telegraph].
Dortmund’s low offer
Bild report Dortmund have made an offer to sign a Sancho replacement this week, Valencia star Ferran Torres.
This in itself is an encouraging sign for United with Sancho. The value of the offer is what’s really intriguing.
They have reportedly offered £34.8 million for Torres, far below his £87.5 million release clause.
Goal has claimed Torres is subject of an eight-club tug-of-war for the 20-year-old’s signature, with United also claimed to be keen.
Importantly, Torres has a contract which expires in 2021, but Dortmund’s offer still seems low in this market given the competition, which is also said to include Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Can’t have it both ways
Dortmund will likely need to go closer to £50 million minimum to land Torres, or even £60 million.
Right now they are offering a fee which reflects a belief transfer values are coming crashing down.
Watzke said in his same interview in late March, “You always have to respect what the player wants,” a concession that if Sancho wants to leave, he will get his wish.
What Dortmund say over transfers (demanding a high price) and what they do (offering a low fee themselves) is contradictory.
United’s pursuit of Sancho could run and run. Sport1 in Germany reported a fortnight ago that the Red Devils are not afraid of paying a record fee for the prodigious 20-year-old.
Just don’t rule out the potential that United could get him on the cheap if the market takes a hit from a depressed economic situation. Dortmund appear to be already factoring this into their own business.
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