Aston Villa agree deal that jeopardises Jadon Sancho transfer

Manchester United’s summer and winter planning has been a focal talking point among supporters, especially with Ruben Amorim navigating a squad undergoing both evolution and uncertainty.

United’s recruitment staff have been exploring multiple options to balance youth potential and senior experience as they seek consistency.

With both Amad and Bryan Mbeumo goign to the the Africa Cup of Nations, the importance of striking depth and clear transfer strategy has only been emphasised.

Off‑the‑pitch chatter has grown louder this season, particularly around wide players who have struggled to cement their place at Old Trafford.

One name that has featured in transfer discussions repeatedly, and continues to divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, holds a contract situation that could yet shift dramatically in the coming months.

Only after those considerations does the focus turn to the latest move in the Premier League: According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa have agreed a £10.5m deal to sign 19‑year‑old Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio, a development that could have wider implications for Manchester United’s attacking plans, especially in relation to Jadon Sancho’s future.

The deal, to be completed in January after Alysson undergoes a medical, is worth an initial £8.7m with £1.8m in performance‑related add‑ons, and includes a 10% sell‑on clause for Gremio, who finished ninth in Brazil’s Serie A this season.

Alysson, a left‑footed right‑winger who scored two goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances this year, will join a Villa attack already featuring Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Evann Guessand, Donyell Malen, Harvey Elliott, and United’s former winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Villa from United.

Jadon Sancho, once a marquee signing for United, is in the final year of his contract and has spent recent seasons on successive loans after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

United originally brought him back to England with high expectations, but those were largely unmet, and the club have been trying to find him a permanent exit for some time.

A move to Roma was discussed last summer, with United prepared to accept around £20m, but Sancho held out on personal terms, and the transfer did not go through.

The arrival of a young, dynamic winger like Alysson at Villa could complicate United’s prospects of offloading Sancho in January, particularly if Villa view the Brazilian as a long‑term investment at the expense of continuing with Sancho.

Jadon Sancho has also been linked with other moves, including potential interest from Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas, and the Red Devils are thought to be weighing their options as his contract winds down.