Report: Manchester United's Ambitious £100m Transfer Strategy Aims to Part Ways with Jadon Sancho and Antony

As Manchester United look to mitigate their losses, they have allegedly presented Antony and Jadon Sancho to clubs in Saudi Arabia owing to their subpar performances, according to a fresh report.

In 2021, Sancho was purchased by United for £73m, however, disputes with manager Erik ten Hag led him to return to Borussia Dortmund, his previous employers, on a six-month loan that does not have a permanent transfer option.

Furthermore, Antony has not managed to score or assist in any goals this season, and has been unable to maintain a consistent spot on the team, despite his £86m signing.

The Evening Standard suggests that United is prepared to let go both players and have offered them to Saudi Arabian clubs in hopes of obtaining as high a price as they can. Antony and Sancho are said to be valued at £50m each by United, and recovering £100m for the pair would mean accepting a joint loss of £59m.

Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq aimed to acquire Sancho earlier this month in the 2023 summer transfer window, as per 90min's report. The negotiation however collapsed as United stood firm on their demand for a £50m buy-out clause, though they were open to a loan agreement.

Expectations are low for major signings in Saudi Arabia this January, but a revived effort to secure overseas players may occur in the summer. Without a doubt, Antony and Sancho will be among the biggest names on the transfer list.

John Murtough, Director of Football, met several Saudi officials at the Club World Cup last month to establish relations and lay the foundations for future transfers. Casemiro and Raphael Varane could also be on the radar of Middle Eastern clubs.

90min speculated that while the latter may be leaving Old Trafford after his contract expires this summer, there may also be the possibility of a contract extension on reduced terms. The 30-year-old has suggested that he would like to retire playing for one of the three teams he has been with in his successful career - United, Real Madrid, and Lens - but Saudi officials still hopeful of persuading him to exit Europe.