Why did BVB reject a Sancho return? Ricken explains | OneFootball

After numerous rumors, another Sancho comeback at BVB is off the table. Lars Ricken explains the reasons that spoke against a return of the former Dortmund star.

A renewed return of Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund was repeatedly a topic during the past transfer window. Although many fans had hoped for another comeback from the Englishman, BVB consciously decided against signing him. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken has now explained in more detail the thinking behind that decision.

For those in charge, the main focus was on continuing to develop the squad and putting new players in the spotlight. “To a certain extent, it was important to me to bring in new faces, new stories, new figures the fans can identify with,” Ricken said in an interview with BILD. Instead of relying on Sancho again, Dortmund signed players including Giannis Konstantelias, Konstantinos Karetsas, and Ethan Nwaneri.

Sporting reasons were not the only factor. Ricken also feared that the enormous public attention surrounding Sancho could overshadow other topics at BVB. “Jadon has that kind of impact,” the managing director explained. Even if the 26-year-old had not been playing regularly, Ricken believed his situation would have caused ongoing debate.

BVB backs new faces instead of Jadon Sancho

In addition, a Sancho transfer would have affected the composition of the entire squad. “As a consequence, you’d then have to ask yourself: do you sell a Fabio Silva?” Ricken said, describing one possible outcome. The playing time and development opportunities of young Dortmund players might also have been reduced by another high-profile signing.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite the personnel problems in attack, a short-term return for Sancho apparently is not under consideration either. Coach Niko Kovac believes BVB is sufficiently stocked after its transfer activity. “The squad is very large anyway, we have around 26 outfield players and many young players,” the coach explained.

In principle, Sancho would still be available, as he has been without a club since leaving Manchester United. However, Dortmund’s stance is clear: rather than opening another chapter with the former BVB star, the club is currently focusing on new faces and the development of its existing players.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.