Exclusive: Roma stall on Sancho deal as Rowe emerges as alternative | OneFootball

A sporting director in Serie A should know that going from Sancho to Jonathan Rowe isn’t exactly the dream scenario. Not because Rowe is a poor player, he isn’t, but Sancho is simply on another level. Gasperini asked for top quality and set his sights on Sancho. That’s why a little caution is needed when names keep surfacing non-stop, bearing in mind that the strengthening plan must truly raise the level and not just fill gaps.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 03: Jadon Sancho #25 of Manchester United moves the ball against Liverpool during a pre-season friendly match at Williams-Brice Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Some clarity on Sancho: we repeat, it was Roma who pulled back, whether definitively or just for now remains to be seen. Sancho never once said no. Someone took it upon themselves to attribute final decisions to the winger that he has not yet made, and within minutes it turned into word of mouth.

It’s now up to Roma to decide whether to wait or move on, but Sancho remains firmly at the top of their list.

WROCLAW, POLAND – MAY 28: Jadon Sancho of Chelsea celebrates his team’s victory at full time following the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 between Real Betis Balompie and Chelsea FC at Stadion Wroclaw on May 28, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Sancho-Roma: The situation

What we know is that in the coming hours Sancho will hold further talks with Manchester United, who asked for clarification. The Red Devils had already accepted Roma’s proposal (€18–19 million fixed fee plus bonuses) and were only waiting for the winger’s green light. We can assure you that, at least for now, no one has approached United with the same offer Roma made.

Besiktas and other suitors may appear later, but they must first reach an agreement with the English club. For now, we remain convinced that this story hasn’t yet written its final chapter…