Sancho Favours Abroad as Free Agent Sweats on Future

Sancho's Next Move: Abroad or England?

Jadon Sancho is weighing up his options as a free agent, with reports suggesting the 26-year-old winger prefers a move abroad despite receiving offers from Premier League clubs. The former Manchester United man has been without a club for six weeks since his contract at Old Trafford expired, and he is now assessing his next step, according to senior football correspondent sources.

Borussia Dortmund, where Sancho made 158 appearances over two spells, are believed to be among the interested clubs. The England international, who has 23 caps and three goals for his country, is said to favour a move away from England but remains open to all possibilities.

Sancho's stock remains high after a productive loan spell at Aston Villa last season, where he made 39 appearances as Unai Emery's side secured Champions League qualification and Europa League glory. He came on as a late substitute in the final victory over Freiburg, marking his third European final in three seasons. The previous campaign, he spent 2024-25 on loan at Chelsea, making 41 appearances, though that deal included an obligation to buy which the west London club avoided by paying a £5m penalty to send him back to Manchester United.

To maintain fitness ahead of the new season, Sancho has been training with non-league side Flixton, though the club have been quick to clarify that he was not on trial with them.

Celtic's Engels Set for West Ham Medical

In other transfer news, Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is having a medical ahead of a move to West Ham United, as confirmed by Celtic manager Martin O'Neill. The Scottish champions rejected a multi-million pound offer from Nottingham Forest for the 22-year-old in the winter window, but Engels has been keen to test himself in English football.

O'Neill had hoped to keep Engels until after their Champions League play-off against LASK, with the first leg scheduled for next Wednesday. However, West Ham wanted the Belgium international available for the opening day of the season. "West Ham wanted him to be available for the opening day of the season. I would imagine that he's probably at this minute doing the medical," O'Neill said. "Naturally disappointed, really, that he's leaving the football club, he's done very well for us. And it's hard to dissuade him of that. If it hadn't come up, I think he'd have been happy. Even though the offer came in very late from Nottingham Forest in January, he never moaned about it at all. So it's an opportunity for him and it's really hard for him to turn it down."

Engels joined Celtic from Augsburg in 2024 and has been a key figure for the Hoops. His departure would be a blow ahead of their European tie, but O'Neill understands the player's desire to move on.

Defensive Deals Dominate the Headlines

Meanwhile, Arsenal have expressed interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, with talks at an exploratory stage. The 23-year-old, who was part of England's World Cup squad this summer, can play at both centre-back and right-back, fitting the profile the Gunners are seeking. However, it remains unclear whether this interest is genuine or a tactic in their pursuit of Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. Villa want around £60m for the 28-year-old, while Arsenal value him closer to £40m.

Arsenal's defensive needs are pressing, with William Saliba ruled out for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup, and Jurrien Timber struggling for fitness. Liverpool, who sold Quansah to Leverkusen last year, have a matching option on any offer, but it is understood they have not yet activated it.

As the new season approaches, these transfer sagas are set to dominate the headlines. For the latest developments and expert analysis, check out our today's AI betting tips and follow the latest football news.