Sancho poised for Palmeiras switch after free-agent exit from Manchester United

Jadon Sancho is reportedly close to joining Brazilian giants Palmeiras after becoming a free agent following the expiry of his Manchester United contract.

The 26-year-old winger is understood to be preparing to sign a two-year deal with the Brazilian club, with Palmeiras also holding an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months if his time there proves successful.

The proposed move would represent a surprise next step in Sancho’s career, with the former England international set to leave European football for Brazil after a difficult spell at Manchester United.

Sancho joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 in a deal reported to be worth £73m. However, he struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and scored 12 goals in 83 appearances for the club.

His five-year stay ended without him securing a regular place in the team. During that period, Sancho spent three separate spells away from Manchester United on loan.

He initially returned to Borussia Dortmund before moving to Chelsea. His most recent loan spell was at Aston Villa, where he spent the final stage of his Manchester United career.

Sancho has been without a club since his Manchester United contract expired earlier in the summer. That brought to an end a disappointing period for a player who had arrived at Old Trafford with a major reputation after his performances in Germany.

According to journalist Alfonso Partidor, Palmeiras are now on the verge of completing a deal for the winger. The reported contract would give Sancho the chance to rebuild his career in Brazil, while also allowing Palmeiras to retain him beyond the initial two-year period if the arrangement is successful.

Sancho began his senior career at Manchester City before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he developed into one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers. His form in Germany led Manchester United to make him one of their major signings in 2021.

The move to Old Trafford did not produce the expected results, however. Sancho was unable to match the impact he had made at Borussia Dortmund and ultimately found himself moving between clubs on loan.

Now, with his Manchester United contract ended, Palmeiras have emerged as his reported destination. If the agreement is completed, Sancho will begin a new chapter with one of Brazil’s leading clubs and take on a fresh challenge outside the European game.

The proposed deal includes the possibility of a third season, but that extension would depend on how successful his first two years at Palmeiras are.