Bayer Leverkusen are finalising their agreement with Erik ten Hag, and it could spell bad news for Manchester United and their transfer plans.
The Dutchman has been on the shelf since being sacked by the Red Devils last October following a poor start to the season. Nevertheless, he now appears destined to resume his managerial career in Germany.
In recent hours, several sources have reported an imminent accord between the 55-year-old and Leverkusen, including top journalists Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein.
But unfortunately for Man Utd, this development will likely scuttle their plan to offload one of the deadwood.
Man United desperate to sell Jadon Sancho
As reported earlier today, INEOS are aiming to raise £100 million by selling Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Moreover, a new report from The Independent identified Leverkusen as a potential destination for Sancho who appears unlikely to stay at Chelsea.
The Blues have an obligation to buy the winger at the end of the season for £25 million, but appear intent on escaping through the back door by paying a £5 million penalty to relieve themselves of this clause.
Ten Hag’s appointment will close the door on Sancho’s Leverkusen move
Leverkusen represented a promising opportunity for Man United to offload an unwanted player. And for Sancho, this was his chance to reignite his career on German soil, having enjoyed two prosperous spells at Borussia Dortmund.
Alas, the arrival of Ten Hag will scupper the plan, as the latter had a massive public fallout with the England international during their time at Man United, particularly in September 2023.
This led to the winger’s omission from the squad, and subsequent return to BVB on loan in January 2024. The two were briefly reunited last summer, but the rift seemed irreparable.
Hence, a happy reunion at Leverkusen is highly unlikely at this stage, which means that United will have to resume their search for a new buyer.
