Troy Deeney believes Man United spell ruined Sancho’s love for football as Qatari move looms | OneFootball

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has weighed in on reports linking ex-Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho with a move to Qatari club Al-Rayyan.

The former England international has been linked with several clubs across Europe and the Middle East, but no deal has yet moved close to completion.

Al-Rayyan seemed like his next destination after they showed interest in the 26-year-old. Despite making an enquiry, discussions have not progressed beyond that stage.

They have no plans to move forward with negotiations, so Sancho must consider other options as he looks to rebuild a career that lost momentum over the past five years.

Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021.

His arrival came with plenty of fanfare after he established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents during his time in Germany.

However, he failed to replicate that brilliance, and it became one of the most disappointing spells of his career.

A public disagreement with then-manager Erik ten Hag eventually led to Sancho being excluded from the first-team squad.

Loan spells followed at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa, but none resulted in a permanent move.

Chelsea had the option to sign him on a permanent deal but ultimately chose not to complete the transfer. Sancho has become a free agent after running down his contract at United.

Former Watford captain Deeney believes Sancho’s failure at United has dampened his love for football.

“I do wonder whether Jadon can live with his life choices long-term,” Deeney said on talkSPORT.

“What I mean by that is, I think the lads who can retire knowing they gave everything, and father time caught up or injury or whatever happened, they go, ‘okay, I can live with that because I gave everything.’

“I think when you’ve got the talent he’s had, had the moves and the opportunities, the chances that he’s had [you may have regrets].

“I do think the Man United spell seems to have maybe dampened his love for football.”

Wherever Sancho ends up, the next move could be the most important of his career as he attempts to rediscover the form that once made him one of football’s most exciting young stars.