JADON SANCHO had ‘prepared’ for a move to Manchester United, claimed Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The England winger, 20, emerged as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target during the summer transfer window.
Jadon Sancho has struggled for form during the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty
United failed to sign him as the German giants refused to budge on their £108 million asking price.
But Dortmund chief Watzke has now revealed that Sancho was ready to make the move to Old Trafford.
He told Kicker: “Subconsciously, Jadon had probably already prepared a little for a change.
“I think he had at least thought so much about it that he lost his ease.
“I have found him trying very hard for weeks.”
Sancho attracted a wide range of interest following his incredible spell of form last season.
He was involved in 34 goals in just 32 league games, scoring 17 times and making 17 assists.
But the former Manchester City star has struggled to reach the same heights this term.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were heavily linked to Jadon Sancho during the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sancho had failed to score a single goal in 11 Bundesliga games this season.
Speaking about Sancho’s dip in form, Watzke added: “The biggest difference is that he used to not think about his next ball action.
“Now he thinks about it, and the tenth of a second that he misses is often exactly the one in which the opponent is already on his feet.
“The more you try as a creative person, the more difficult it often becomes.”
Sancho finally scored his first goal of the campaign during Sunday’s win over Wolfsburg.
Watzke added: “I think he needs two or three success stories in a row, then things will quickly improve again.
“He is still one of the greatest talents there is.”
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side have now also joined the race to sign Sancho from Dortmund.
But United believe they will be able to sign him for less than £100m following his drastic dip in form.
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Chelsea handed transfer boost as Dortmund star and Manchester United target Jadon Sancho reveals he grew up a Blues fan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
