Borussia Dortmund’s sporting leadership, led by Ole Book and Lars Ricken, is eyeing Jadon Sancho as a last-ditch rescue option in the transfer window. But the England international’s potential return to the Black and Yellows follows a strict blueprint – and it starts with a hard financial condition.
What is Borussia Dortmund demanding from Jadon Sancho?
The club is offering a maximum salary of €5 million per season. No signing bonus or upfront payment will be included. Sancho would have to accept a performance-based contract, far removed from his United wages. According to „Bild“, sporting director Ole Book and managing director Lars Ricken are refusing to compromise. The message is clear: only if the numbers add up will the 26-year-old return.
Sancho has already indicated openness to talks. He is willing to take a pay cut, and a return to Dortmund clearly appeals to him. It was in Dortmund where he enjoyed his strongest spell. In his first BVB era from 2017 to 2021, he delivered 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 appearances. With the Black and Yellows, he won the 2019 DFL Supercup and the 2021 DFB-Pokal, scoring twice in the final against RB Leipzig. His six-month loan return in the second half of 2023/24 also ended with a Champions League final appearance.
Why Borussia Dortmund wants Sancho right now
The club’s leadership has done its homework. Book and Ricken personally watched Sancho’s Aston Villa games. Scouts were also sent to evaluate the winger. The internal verdict: under Niko Kovač, Sancho could rediscover his best form. His fan popularity is another factor. Dortmund aims to sign him as a „last-minute bargain“ – but only under the salary cap.
Currently, the club lacks a replacement for Karim Adeyemi, who is joining FC Barcelona. Sancho is now a stronger option. A backup plan with potential – and a familiar face. Dortmund currently sits second in the Bundesliga with 73 points from 34 games and a +36 goal difference.
How realistic is the return?
Direct contact with Sancho has not yet been made. The club wants to avoid „raising expectations too high“. The strategy is to wait. If no Adeyemi replacement is found by the end of the transfer window, Sancho moves up the list. The club hopes the England international wants to continue his career in Dortmund – and that the fans will welcome him back.
Dortmund has scored 70 goals this season and trails league leaders Bayern München by 16 points. Their next fixture is on February 20, 2027, away at Werder Bremen, currently 15th in the table.
