Jadon Sancho on his way to Aston Villa

Jadon Sancho has arrived at Aston Villa for a transfer deadline day deal, but it is not yet known if this is a permanent or temporary deal. Manchester United have informed Sancho that he is free to leave Old Trafford, and after a deal to Germany fell through, Sancho will now stay in the Premier League.

Aston Villa’s capture of Jadon Sancho on transfer deadline day is one of the biggest stories of the window. The move brought to an end a difficult chapter in the winger’s career at Manchester United, where a strained relationship with Erik ten Hag and a prolonged spell out of the first-team picture had left his future in doubt. Villa, pushing to consolidate themselves among the Premier League’s top six and competing in Europe, saw an opportunity to add proven attacking quality to their squad at a critical moment. The timing of the deal reflected Villa’s ambition and United’s willingness to move on from a player who no longer fit their manager’s plans.

For Villa, Sancho offered a rare chance to sign an England international with Champions League and Bundesliga pedigree at a cut-price fee compared to his original £73 million valuation when United brought him from Borussia Dortmund. With Leon Bailey often carrying the creative load on the right flank, Unai Emery wanted another technically gifted wide forward who could stretch play, operate between the lines, and link with Ollie Watkins. Sancho’s ability to play on either wing or even in a central role behind the striker gives Villa added flexibility, especially important as they balance domestic and European fixtures.