Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils Could Hand Borussia Dortmund Jadon Sancho 'Successor'

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund could make former Manchester United flop Memphis Depay a likely successor for Jadon Sancho if the Red Devils choose not to sign him back.

After roughly three years of displaying his excellent form in Germany, Sancho has become one of Europe’s top prospects. Manchester United has been the frontrunner to land the English winger, with recent reports saying negotiations between both parties are progressing.

Dortmund is expected to receive an initial fee of around £60 million ($78.5 million) for Sancho. Sources said that this amount could even reach £100 million ($130 million) once additional terms are inserted.

United’s chances of signing Sancho have been boosted once again after sources revealed that Dortmund has lined up a possible replacement for its lethal striker. The Bundesliga side is now considering Depay as a successor for Sancho, German newspaper Bild reported.

Depay is no stranger to the Red Devils as he was a former member of the English top-flight club. However, the 26-year-old failed to reach his full potential during his 18-month spell with United, scoring only seven goals from 53 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Despite being tagged as a “flop signing” for United, Depay was able to rebuild his career in France when he joined Lyon in 2017. The Dutchman became one of the club’s most notable players, making Depay a hot prospect ahead of the transfer window.

Lyon will miss out on the Champions League this season, leading to speculations that Depay’s time in Ligue 1 could soon be over. Dortmund’s apparent interest in him has only contributed to the circulating rumors.

Dortmund could land Depay for around £41 million ($53.6 million), the report said. However, a clause inserted in his contract when he was sold in January 2017 states that any club hoping to sign him must formally declare its intensions to United first.

The specific term doesn’t conclude that the Red Devils have the leverage on Depay’s future. Instead, it only gives United a chance to make a final decision should it reconsider buying the player back.

Aside from United, Arsenal is also interested in Depay, Le 10 Sport reported. The Gunners are believed to be considering the Lyon winger as one of their attacking targets in case Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decides to leave.