Jadon Sancho’s recent goal for Borussia Dortmund against RB Leipzig not only helped his team secure a victory but also marked a significant milestone for the player. With this goal, Sancho surpassed Tony Woodcock to become the most prolific Englishman to play in the Bundesliga. However, his record is unlikely to last long, as Harry Kane has already scored 35 league goals for Bayern Munich this season. Nevertheless, Sancho’s achievement speaks volumes about his productivity levels for Dortmund.
Since his return to Dortmund on loan, Sancho has scored three goals in 16 appearances, which is an improvement compared to his time at Manchester United, where he managed to score only 12 goals in 82 games. While he may not have reached the same levels of performance that led United to pay £73m for him in 2021, Sancho seems more content at Dortmund. When he walked back into the club’s training ground, he expressed that it felt like coming home, indicating a sense of relief and comfort.
While much of the focus on English representation in the Champions League semi-finals has been on the battle between Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Sancho also finds himself in a position to make history. If he plays in the final for Dortmund, he would become the first Englishman since Steve McManaman in 2002 to reach the Champions League final with an overseas club.
Sancho’s return to Dortmund has not been without its challenges. There were strained relationships at Manchester United that led to his exit from the club. After being left out of the matchday squad by manager Erik ten Hag due to his performances in training, Sancho took to social media to express his frustration, claiming that he was being made a scapegoat. While there were demands for an apology, none was given. However, this incident does not reflect badly on Sancho’s personality. He is well-liked in the Dortmund dressing room and is known for his courteous and friendly nature off the pitch.
Sancho acknowledges the high expectations placed on him at Dortmund, given his previous performances for the club. He understands that fans expect a lot from him, and he expects a lot from himself. Despite a significant gap between his last appearance for United and his second debut for Dortmund, Sancho is determined to reach peak performance quickly and contribute to the team’s success.
According to Cedric Gebhardt, a respected football writer who covers Dortmund, Sancho has not yet reached the levels of his first spell at the club. He lacks the ease, confidence, and pace that characterized his performances during that time. However, there is hope among fans that Sancho will regain his old form and become a key player for Dortmund once again.
Looking ahead, the future of Sancho is uncertain. Dortmund would ideally like to keep the player, but financially, it may not be feasible. The deal that brought Sancho back on loan made sense in terms of finances, but repeating the loan or making it permanent would require compromise from all parties involved. Dortmund cannot match the salary Sancho receives at United, and United is under pressure to comply with financial regulations. Additionally, Sancho’s future at United may depend on whether Erik ten Hag remains as manager. If he does not, there is a possibility of Sancho returning to United.
In the meantime, Dortmund has a Champions League semi-final ahead of them against Paris St-Germain. While they may be considered outsiders, given their performance in the competition so far, they should not be written off. It would be ironic if Dortmund were to win the trophy, as it could provide the prize money needed to bring Sancho back to the club.
Overall, Sancho’s journey from Manchester United to Dortmund has been filled with ups and downs. His return to Dortmund has brought a sense of comfort and belonging, and he is determined to reach his previous levels of performance. The future remains uncertain, but for now, Sancho’s focus is on helping Dortmund succeed in the Champions League.