Kovac rules out Sancho return as Dortmund sign Nwaneri to fill squad gap

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has publicly ruled out a move for Jadon Sancho, ending speculation that the former Dortmund winger could return to Signal Iduna Park after being released by Manchester United this summer.

Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s 3-0 win over SC Paderborn on Saturday, Kovac said the club was satisfied with its transfer business and had no need to add further players. “We’re very well positioned. The squad is already very large. We have 26 outfield players, many of them young,” he said. Asked directly about Sancho, he added: “Therefore, we don’t need to concern ourselves with that.”

The door had appeared briefly ajar after new Dortmund signing Giannis Konstantelias suffered a cruciate ligament tear, prompting German outlet Bild to report that a Sancho reunion had not been ruled out. Instead, the Bundesliga club moved quickly to secure Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan before the transfer deadline.

Sancho, 26, has been without a club since his contract at Old Trafford expired at the end of last season. United signed him for £73 million in 2021, but he managed just 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances across a five-year spell that never found consistent form. Loan moves to Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa followed, yet none of those clubs opted to sign him permanently. Chelsea, who held an obligation to buy, paid a £5 million penalty to send him back to Manchester in 2025 rather than complete the deal.

With Dortmund now out of the picture, Sancho’s options appear limited. Clubs in Turkey, the Saudi Pro League and the UAE are reportedly exploring deals for the winger. He has also been offered the chance to join Arabian Falcons, the Dubai-based side managed by former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.