Report: Will Manchester United Hijack Liverpool’s Goalkeeper Deal Through Sancho Sale? | OneFootball

Jadon Sancho’s Future: The Key to a Major Transfer Battle Between Manchester United and Liverpool?

Jadon Sancho’s uncertain future at Manchester United could play a pivotal role in a potential transfer tug-of-war between the Red Devils and Liverpool over Valencia’s highly-rated goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. According to The Mirror, Liverpool has already made significant progress by agreeing on personal terms with the 23-year-old Georgian shot-stopper. However, with Manchester United also showing interest, the final decision may hinge on the sale of Sancho.

Sancho’s Uncertain Position

Sancho, once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, finds himself in an uneasy position at Old Trafford. After a tumultuous 2023, which saw him loaned back to Borussia Dortmund, the winger’s future under Erik ten Hag remains in doubt. While Ten Hag insists that Sancho’s absence from the squad against Fulham was due to an ear infection, the rumour mill suggests otherwise. With Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen on securing his services, United may be looking to offload the 24-year-old to free up both funds and squad space.

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Should Sancho be sold, the move could pave the way for Manchester United to hijack Liverpool’s pursuit of Mamardashvili. Despite their existing interest, United faces financial constraints after splashing the cash on other high-profile signings like Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Matthijs de Ligt. A Sancho departure could be the key to solving this dilemma.

Liverpool’s Dilemma

Liverpool, on the other hand, is navigating their own set of challenges in securing Mamardashvili’s services. The Georgian goalkeeper impressed during Georgia’s run to the last 16 at Euro 2024, catching the eye of several European giants. With three years left on his contract, Valencia has set a hefty £34 million asking price—a figure Liverpool seems unwilling to match. The Reds have reportedly tabled an offer of £30 million, including add-ons, but Valencia is holding firm.

Despite these hurdles, there is growing optimism that Mamardashvili could become the first signing of the Arne Slot era at Anfield. Slot, who is expected to lead Liverpool into a new era, will need quality reinforcements, especially in the goalkeeper department, where Alisson remains the undisputed No. 1. Mamardashvili’s arrival could signal the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s time at Liverpool, with the Irishman attracting interest from several clubs.

Potential PSG Twist

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain could also play a decisive role in this saga. With Kylian Mbappe now at Real Madrid, PSG is on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, and Sancho’s name has popped up on their radar. A potential swap deal involving PSG’s Manuel Ugarte moving to Old Trafford has also been floated. This deal could benefit all parties involved, especially if it enables United to generate the funds needed to pursue Mamardashvili.

However, with United’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns and their existing expenditures, the deal remains far from certain. The next few weeks will be crucial as negotiations continue to evolve.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Liverpool fans will be keenly watching this situation unfold, particularly those eager to see how the Arne Slot era begins. Mamardashvili’s potential arrival would certainly bolster the Reds’ goalkeeping department, but it also raises questions about the club’s spending priorities. With Alisson firmly established as the first choice, is it wise to invest heavily in a backup? The club’s unwillingness to meet Valencia’s asking price may reflect a prudent approach in balancing the books, but fans will be disappointed if this deal slips through the cracks.

Manchester United supporters, on the other hand, may be growing increasingly concerned about the club’s transfer strategy. Sancho’s struggles have been well-documented, and offloading him could be the key to addressing other squad needs. However, losing out on Mamardashvili to Liverpool, a direct rival, would be a bitter pill to swallow. The potential for a Sancho-Ugarte swap deal with PSG adds another layer of complexity, and fans will be hoping that the club can navigate these negotiations successfully.

Both clubs find themselves in precarious positions, and the outcome of this transfer saga could significantly impact their seasons. The next few weeks promise to be a tense period for fans of both Liverpool and Manchester United as they await the resolution of this intriguing battle.