Dubai side Arabian Falcons plot surprise move to end Jadon Sancho's free-agent wait

Jadon Sancho could be heading to the UAE after Dubai-based Arabian Falcons emerged as surprise suitors for the winger, who has been without a club since Manchester United released him at the expiry of his contract this summer.

Five years after United paid Borussia Dortmund £72.9 million to sign Sancho, the 25-year-old remains a free agent. The second-division Emirati side — managed by former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and captained by ex-United prodigy Ravel Morrison — are plotting an ambitious approach to attract Sancho and other free agents to the club.

Sancho has a personal connection with Dubai, having previously visited for warm-weather rehabilitation during injury spells. The Falcons are reportedly hopeful that the prospect of tax-free earnings and the club’s top-class facilities will prove persuasive.

The former England international, who earned 23 caps and scored three international goals, has had a turbulent few seasons. He returned to Dortmund on loan in January 2024, featuring in the Champions League final at Wembley — a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid — before the German club opted against signing him permanently.

A subsequent loan spell at Chelsea brought him a UEFA Conference League winners’ medal, but a permanent move to Stamford Bridge collapsed, with Chelsea paying a £5 million penalty fee to United to withdraw from their £25 million obligation to sign him. Aston Villa then took him on loan last season, where he managed one goal and three assists in 39 appearances under Unai Emery, though he did collect a Europa League winners’ medal.

Sancho had been linked with moves to Serie A sides Fiorentina and Roma, as well as a surprise switch to Brazilian club Palmeiras, but none of those options materialised.

He is not alone in his search for a new club. Former England team-mate Raheem Sterling and ex-United midfielder Paul Pogba are among the other high-profile players currently without a side.