The Saudi Pro League outfit was reported to be exploring a loan deal with the option to buy for Sancho who has fallen out with Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho have denied reports of deadline-day transfer negotiations following his latest spat with manager Erik ten Hag.
Both the club and player have come out to deny the rumours as the club stated that Everton winger Damary Gray will be the last piece of transfer business for Al-Ettifaq.
Al-Ettifaq, currently coached by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, had hope that a fresh start in Saudi Arabia could tempt Sancho to depart Old Trafford, at least temporarily, and were reported have opened discussions over a deal that would take the 23-year-old to the Pro League on loan for the remainder of the season.
23:16 - 04.09.2023
‘Sancho must go to Saudi Arabia’ — Manchester United legend reacts to forward’s feud with Ten Hag
Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho has been advised to move to Saudi Arabia after a recent falling-out with head coach Erik Ten Hag
According to the reports, Al-Ettifaq were open to including a buy option in the deal but given that the Saudi window closes in less than 12 hours, sources with knowledge of negotiations believe it was more likely that the clubs will agree on a straight loan deal.
Sancho missed United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday after which Ten Hag said he was not selected because he did not reach the levels required in training.
"Jadon was [absent] on his performance on the training," Ten Hag said after Sunday’s match. "We didn't select him. You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices on the frontline, so for this game he wasn't selected."
But Sancho fired back, disagreeing with his manager’s remarks while claiming he has become a ‘scapegoat’ when things do not go right for United.
14:13 - 07.09.2023
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While he did not do enough to be considered a Ballon d’Or contender, Rashford’s numbers in 2022-23 should have earned him a place on the initial shortlist at the expense of many others.
"I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won't go into, I have been a scapegoat for a long time which isn't fair,” the player posted on social media.
"All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!"
07:14 - 05.09.2023
Jadon Sancho: Manchester United forward facing punishment after social media rant against Ten Hag
Jadon Sancho's public outburst against his Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could have severe consequences according to reports.
Sancho is yet to justify the £73 million United paid Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, scoring just 12 goals in 82 appearances for the club.