Former Aston Villa and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has cast significant doubt over Jadon Sancho's future at the club, predicting the Manchester United loanee could depart when the transfer window reopens next month.
Struggles for Form at Villa Park
The 25-year-old winger moved to Villa Park on summer deadline day but has endured a difficult spell. Sancho is yet to start a single Premier League match under manager Unai Emery and has not found the net for his new side. His only consistent game time has come in the Europa League, where he has started Villa's last four fixtures, but he has failed to register a goal or an assist in the competition as well.
There have been brief moments of promise, most notably in the dramatic victory over Arsenal a fortnight ago. Coming off the bench, Sancho played a crucial role in the build-up to Emi Buendía's late winning goal, demonstrating the talent that once made him one of Europe's most sought-after attackers.
Jenas Advocates for a Fresh Start Abroad
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Jenas has openly questioned whether the loan arrangement will continue. Speaking to betting partners 10bet, the pundit outlined his belief that a move away from English football could reignite Sancho's career.
"I think we could see Sancho potentially leaving Villa in January," Jenas stated. "He's an extremely talented footballer, but we've just not seen it consistently since he's come to the Premier League."
Jenas pointed to the player's challenging periods at Manchester United under multiple managers, and now at Villa, as evidence that a different environment is needed. "I think he needs to go play abroad again," he advised. "The tempo and physicality of the game suits him better outside of England. For a player of Jadon Sancho's capabilities, I think it's a really good fit."
Immediate Implications and Future Uncertainty
The immediate consequence of Sancho's loan agreement is that he will be unavailable for selection when Aston Villa host Manchester United this Sunday, as loan players are prohibited from featuring against their parent clubs.
This leaves Unai Emery with one fewer option as his team prepares for a crucial Premier League fixture. Looking further ahead, Jenas's comments highlight the growing uncertainty surrounding Sancho's medium-term future. With his Manchester United career seemingly over and his Villa loan not going to plan, the January window presents a pivotal moment for the England international to find a club where he can rediscover his best form.
