Free-agent Sancho edges closer to Getafe move after Russia and Dortmund doors close

Jadon Sancho is closing in on his first club since leaving Manchester United, with La Liga side Getafe submitting an official offer to the 26-year-old winger, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Sancho has been a free agent since his contract at Old Trafford expired in the summer.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo first reported Getafe’s interest, noting that Sancho’s wage demands represent the “main problem” in completing a deal. Romano’s claim of a formal offer suggests negotiations have moved beyond initial enquiries, though no agreement has yet been announced.

The move would follow a series of failed links elsewhere. Sancho was reportedly offered to Russian side Krasnodar, who turned down the opportunity. A return to Borussia Dortmund — where he spent two separate loan spells — was also mooted, but manager Nico Kovac effectively ruled it out last month, saying the club had no need to add to a squad of 26 outfield players. Moves to Brazil and the Middle East were also discussed, with clubs from the latter region still said to hold an interest.

Getafe’s pursuit mirrors the club’s recruitment of another former United player: Mason Greenwood joined the Madrid-based side in a deal that Getafe are reportedly hoping to replicate in structure. The club have also recently added Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal, who became a free agent when his contract at the Bernabéu expired in June.

A La Liga salary-cap exemption is expected to help Getafe register Sancho without breaching their financial limits. The rule allows clubs to sign a replacement outside their normal wage ceiling when a player suffers a long-term injury — a provision triggered in this case by an injury to forward Juanmi.

Sancho came through Manchester City’s academy before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He moved to United for a reported £73 million in 2021 and made 83 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists. Loan spells at Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa followed before his departure on a free transfer this past summer.