Kovac rules out Sancho return to Dortmund as free agent's options narrow

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has ruled out signing Jadon Sancho, effectively ending speculation over a sentimental return for the winger to the club where his career first flourished. Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s 3-0 win over SC Paderborn on Saturday, Kovac said the squad was already large enough to make the move unnecessary.

“We’re very well positioned. The squad is already very large. We have 26 outfield players, many of them young,” Kovac said. Asked directly about Sancho, he added: “Therefore, we don’t need to concern ourselves with that.”

Sancho, 26, has been without a club since his contract at Manchester United expired this summer. His five years at Old Trafford produced just 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances — a stark return on the £73 million United paid for him in 2021 when he was considered one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.

Loan spells at Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa failed to reignite his career on a permanent basis. Chelsea, who held an obligation to buy, instead paid a £5 million penalty to send him back to Manchester in 2025. A subsequent season at Villa Park under Unai Emery brought little improvement, and United declined to offer him a new contract upon his return.

Hopes of a Dortmund reunion had briefly resurfaced after new signing Giannis Konstantelias suffered a cruciate ligament tear, opening a potential vacancy in their attacking ranks. German outlet Bild had reported the option had not been entirely dismissed. However, Dortmund moved swiftly to sign Arsenal forward Ethan Nwaneri on loan on deadline day, removing any remaining rationale for a Sancho approach.

With European options closing, interest is now reported to be coming from clubs in Turkey, the Saudi Pro League, and the UAE. Sancho has also been offered the chance to join Arabian Falcons, the Dubai-based side managed by former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.