Jadon Sancho has been training at 10th-tier minnows Flixton FC while he assesses what will be a career-defining move to a new club.
The 26-year-old is on the hunt for a new permanent home for the first time in five years after his Manchester United nightmare ended.
Sancho’s torrid spell at Old Trafford finally finished after the expiry of his contract in June left him as a free agent this summer.
The winger was among the most highly coveted young players in Europe the last time he sealed a permanent transfer to a new club.
Sancho scored just 12 goals across 83 appearances for Man United since his £73million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
The 23-cap England international has also endured mixed loan spells with Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa in the last three seasons.
Jadon Sancho transfer latest
The ex-Man City starlet is currently keeping himself fit while using non-league facilities at Flixton’s 2,000-capacity Valley Road ground.
In a club interview, Sancho said: “You’ve got a nice layout here.
“It’s my first time around this area, and it’s the first time I’ve seen a nice pitch [in this area] apart from United and City.”
Flixton, who are preparing for their first competitive campaign since going bust in 2012, are managed by former club captain Alex Mortimer, with Rhodri Giggs – brother of Ryan – as his assistant.
Sancho, meanwhile, was the subject of a surprise enquiry from Qatari side Al Rayyan at the start of July but no talks have taken place since.
talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs previously revealed that Sancho is considering moves in both the Middle East and Europe.
A third return to Dortmund in Germany has long been touted, with Alan Pardew also tipping him to find a Premier League landing spot.
However, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook poured cold water on such a possibility with his latest Sancho update.
‘Not much interest from the Premier League’
Crook told Sunday Session with Darren Gough & Scott Minto: “He’s just training at a local sports club just to keep himself fit.
“There was talk of a move to Qatar. I think there’s Saudi interest as well. Not much interest from the Premier League at the moment.
“It’s been a fall from grace, isn’t it?” Crook continued. “When you look at how hard Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fought to sign him from Borussia Dortmund.
2
“He’s never really found his feet in the Premier League. And actually, I speak to Aston Villa fans, and they’re a little bit worried about the Alejandro Garnacho signing, because they look at Unai Emery’s recent history of taking on players who maybe have lost their way.
“Sancho was certainly one of those and was not a success at Aston Villa. [Marcus] Rashford did OK, but again, I don’t think Unai Emery really ever got him up to full speed.
“And I think Villa fans are a bit concerned that maybe Emery isn’t the man to get the best out of Garnacho.”
‘Professional, humble and generous’
On Sunday, Flixton owner took it upon himself to confirm that Sancho would not be signing for them as he hailed the 26-year-old.
“Over the past few days, we’ve seen a number of posts and comments circulating regarding Jadon Sancho’s visit to Flixton FC,” Flixton owner Christopher Garcia said.
“To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions. He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career.
“We’re proud that the quality of our pitch and facilities made Flixton a place where a player of his calibre felt comfortable training, and he is welcome to train at Flixton FC whenever he wishes.
“During his visit, Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time. After completing his session, he happily met with young supporters, posed for photos, signed autographs, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
“Jadon is a world-class footballer who has achieved more in the game than most players could ever dream of. He deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed.
“We thank Jadon for choosing Flixton FC as a place to train and wish him every success in the next stage of his career, which will undoubtedly be at a level far above where we currently compete. Our doors will always be open to him.”
Jadon Sancho next club odds
Sancho to sign for before September 1st 2026 – Win only: All odds, via talkSPORT Bet – Correct as of 2 August, 2026.
- Any Qatari Team – 6/4
- Any German club – 5/2
- Aston Villa – 4/1
- Any Spanish club – 4/1
- Chelsea – 5/1
- Any Turkish club – 5/1
- Any Italian club – 11/2
- Any Saudi club – 6/1
- Arsenal – 8/1
- Tottenham – 8/1
- Everton – 9/1
- Liverpool – 10/1
- Any French club – 10/1
- Any MLS club – 10/1
