Talk is rife that Manchester United will strengthen over the summer and Jadon Sancho’s name continues to be bandied about. But the latest rumour makes no sense.
According to Mundo Deportivo, United have offered Alexis Sanchez to Borussia Dortmund in part-exchange for Sancho.
To the casual observer, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. However, Sanchez is the antithesis of a Dortmund signing.
This is the team that brought in the likes of Sancho, Erling Haaland and Julian Brandt. They are young, hungry and years away from their peak. In contrast, United’s record earner is a shadow of his former self.
United are unlikely to drive Sancho’s price down by offering a player who has scored just five times in 45 appearances for the Red Devils. He has barely made a whimper out on loan and has been blighted by injury.
However, there is a possible swap deal United should consider regarding the Chilean.
After all, Odion Ighalo’s future remains uncertain and the Nigerian has done enough to earn a permanent contract at Old Trafford.
According to the Metro, Ighalo’s current club want £30million for the 30-year-old and are willing to offer him a huge weekly wage to sign a new deal. In short, they are one of the few clubs in the world that may be willing to give Sanchez something close to his current pay packet.
He would also represent a risk that a Chinese club may be far more willing to take than one of Europe’s most impressive young teams.
Sanchez remains a star name and, if money is more important than his next destination, it could suit all parties.
Sanchez off the payroll, Ighalo staying at United, and not a penny spent between – Ed Woodward should at least consider the prospect.