Jadon Sancho Joins Aston Villa: The last chance?

Transfer deadline day is always one of the most anticipated days on the football calendar. With clubs all around the world scrambling to find deals at the last minute. Jadon Sancho has now joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Could this be his last chance at a top club?

Sancho first made a name for himself in Manchester City’s elite academy. His highlights were everywhere on social media and his talents caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, where he soon shone on the European stage. 

His breakout season at Dortmund saw the then 18-year-old register 12 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga.

The winger then had his best season scoring 17 goals and providing 16 assists, making him one of Europe’s brightest young stars. 

After four seasons terrorising Bundesliga defences, Manchester United came calling and paid £73m for the English talent. 

But it was his move to Manchester United where the downfall of his reputation started.

After two full seasons at Manchester United Sancho only delivered 9 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League. His time at Old Trafford was marred with a public falling out with manager, Erik Ten Hag and injury problems. 

He was subsequently loaned out - first back to Borussia Dortmund and then to Chelsea. Sancho was not able to get back to his best in either season but he did show glimpses of his time in Germany. 

At Chelsea Sancho stayed relatively injury free and at times showed his past form, especially with his goal against Ipswich. 

Sancho may be encouraged by former teammate Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of last season. 

Aston Villa are a club on the rise as well. The midlands clubs played Champions League football last season and have Europa League football this season. There could be plenty of opportunity for Sancho to shine once again on the European stage. 

Unai Emery will welcome this added depth to the squad as Villa lost Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio in the summer. Sancho’s ability to play on either flank could see him gain a lot of minutes throughout the season. 

With a strong English core including - Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa - Sancho could settle quickly and finally be given the freedom to express himself. 

Like Rashford, Sancho will have to show enough this season for Manchester United to be able to move him on permanently or have no choice but to keep him. With the World Cup next summer also, this could be the chance Sancho needs to reignite his career. 

If his performances are anywhere near his first stint at Dortmund, at just 25 years old, he could have a host of clubs lining up for his signature next season. 

But if more lacklustre performances follow on from his previous seasons, it will be hard to see Jadon Sancho’s future at the top clubs in Europe.