Manchester United is adopting a more ruthless approach to player contracts, emphasizing the importance of the right culture and recruitment strategy over business interests. This shift includes a willingness to terminate contracts for the greater good of the club, sparking discussions about the situation surrounding Jadon Sancho.
If no suitable exit route is found for the 23-year-old, United is open to severing ties rather than attempting to recoup some of the £73 million spent on acquiring him.
In October, Sky Sports News revealed interest from Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Turkish Super Lig in Sancho, with his wage packet being a potential obstacle to a move.
United’s decision to be more “culture-focused” draws inspiration from Arsenal’s approach, where terminating contracts, as seen with Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Nicolas Pepe, has contributed to reshaping the squad and fostering a culture of excellence under Mikel Arteta.
The club aims to avoid unnecessary contract extensions that do not align with football sense, a departure from past practices where lucrative terms were offered to protect a player’s value. This change aims to facilitate player sales and trim the squad more efficiently.
Furthermore, United will no longer automatically trigger the option for an extra 12 months on deals unless deemed necessary. The stringent approach to contracts is seen as a strategy to enhance the ability to sell players effectively, providing the club with more financial flexibility for future acquisitions.
Despite potential changes, Manchester United is expected to have a quiet January transfer window to comply with financial fair play (FFP) rules. Football director John Murtough stressed the club’s commitment to remaining compliant with FFP and maintaining a disciplined approach to spending, with a focus on the summer transfer windows for major recruitment activities.