Dortmund dismisses Sancho as injury‑driven gap remains unfilled

Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has ruled out signing Jadon Sancho, confirming the 26‑year‑old forward remains without a club after his contract at Old Trafford expired this summer.

Comments Sport Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist 13:36, 13 Sep 2026 View 2 Images Jadon Sancho has struggled badly in recent season and is now without a club (Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock).

Why Dortmund needed a winger

Following a cruciate ligament tear to new signing Giannis Konstantelias, Dortmund faced a sudden shortage on the left flank, raising hopes that Sancho could return to Signal Iduna Park. ON the day after the injury, speculation intensified, but Kovac insisted the squad was already large enough.

Sancho’s unsettled recent years

Kovac told reporters after the 3‑0 win over SC Paderborn: "We think we had a really good transfer summer. We're very well positioned. The squad is already very large. We have 26 outfield players, many of them young. Therefore, we don't need to concern ourselves with that."

The former Dortmund, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa forward spent five years at United, scoring just 12 goals and providing six assists in 83 appearances. United paid £73 million for him in 2021, but the winger failed to cement a place.

During his United spell he endured loan moves to Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Chelsea had an obligation to buy the winger and even paid a £5 million penalty to send him back to Manchester in 2025, yet no permanent deal materialised.

Old Trafford saw his contract run out this summer, leaving him a free agent. The Red Devils chose not to offer an extension, and Sancho has struggled to attract a new club despite occasional flashes of brilliance.

Future prospects

Dortmund instead secured English forward Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal on deadline day, further limiting Sancho’s options. Clubs in Turkey, the Saudi Pro League and the UAE are said to be exploring a deal, and the Dubai‑based Arabian Falcons, managed by former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, have also shown interest.

The term US appears in the source text, though no American club has been linked to the winger. With Dortmund’s decision final, Sancho’s options are rapidly dwindling.