We might not see what could potentially be the biggest transfer of the summer as England forward Jadon Sancho looks set to remain a Borussia Dortmund player next season, according to club’s sporting director, Michael Zorc.
The 20-year-old has been included in the Bundesliga club’s training squad as they head out to camp in Switzerland.
The announcement comes on the day Borussia Dortmund set as the deadline for any deal to be agreed for Sancho, Manchester United’s primary summer target.
“We plan on having Jadon Sancho in our team this season,” says Zorc. “The decision is final. I think that answers all our questions.
“Last summer we adjusted Jadon’s salary to match the development of his performances. So in context, we had already extended his contract until 2023 back then.”
Dortmund insists on recouping £100m for Sancho, who they signed from Manchester City for £10m in 2017.
Sancho and England Under-17 midfielder Jude Bellingham, who just signed for the German club is among 31 players to travel to Bad Ragaz.
The 17-year old joined Borussia Dortmund from Championship side Birmingham City in July.
Dortmund had previously stipulated they want a deal completed by the time they head out on their training camp so as to allow them sufficient time to get a replacement, and sporting director Zorc says Sancho will now be staying at the club.
Dortmund will be involved in two matches during their training camp, against Austrian sides SCR Altach on Wednesday and Austria Vienna on Sunday.
Dortmund set the deadline for Sancho, who is under contract with them until 2022, because they want a composed preparation for the 2020-21 Bundesliga season, which kick off on the 18th of September 2020.
The transfer deadline for international deals is on the 5th of October 2020.
United, however, is looking at alternatives, distinctly Beyern Munich’s winger, Kingsley Coman on loan, but qualifying for the Champions League could still sway Sancho to come play for the club.
Manchester United believe Borussia Dortmund’s €120m (£108m) valuation for Sancho, under the current coronavirus conditions, as “unrealistic” for a player who Dortmund themselves signed for £7.2m three years ago.
The club is also not willing to break its wage structure for the 20-year-old following the unsuccessful transfer of Alexis Sanchez, and as it stands, no fee or personal terms have been agreed.
Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes, in the last two transfer windows, have made big money moves to United but the club feels the environment for deals has shifted since the coronavirus pandemic.
