Former Villa Midfielder Questions Sancho's Fit at Villa Park
Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has delivered a scathing verdict on Jadon Sancho's loan spell at the club, suggesting the winger is not a natural fit for manager Unai Emery's system and may not have a future at Villa Park beyond this season.
Sancho's Struggles Continue in Premier League
The 25-year-old England international joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer, arriving alongside Liverpool's Harvey Elliott. Unlike Elliott's arrangement, Sancho's deal contains no obligation or option to buy, leaving his long-term prospects uncertain.
Despite making 13 Premier League appearances for Villa, Sancho is still awaiting his first league goal contribution. His only strike across 22 appearances in all competitions came with a header in the Europa League against Fenerbahce, highlighting his ongoing struggle to replicate the form he showed during his successful spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Hendrie's Critical Assessment
Hendrie, who made over 250 appearances for his boyhood club, expressed doubts about Sancho's compatibility with Emery's demanding style during an appearance on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast with former England manager Sam Allardyce and Natalie Pike.
"I'm not so sure they will look to keep him permanently," Hendrie stated. "At times you watch Jadon Sancho and you know there is a player in there. I do not think he is an Unai Emery player."
The former midfielder suggested Sancho's recent inclusion in the starting lineup – he has started three of Villa's last four league matches – stems primarily from injury problems within the squad rather than earning his place on merit.
Contrast with Rashford's Loan Success
Hendrie drew a stark comparison between Sancho's current situation and Marcus Rashford's successful six-month loan spell at Villa towards the end of last season. While Rashford used his time at Villa Park to reignite his career and secure a subsequent move to Barcelona, Hendrie sees no similar determination from Sancho.
"I think playing in that wide area for him, it was like Marcus Rashford when he came to Villa last season," Hendrie explained. "He knew he had to make something happen. He had to make people recognise that Marcus Rashford was not finished. I do not see that with Jadon Sancho."
The pundit emphasised that consistent performance levels are essential in the Premier League, something he believes Sancho has failed to demonstrate not only at Villa but also during previous spells at Chelsea and Manchester United following his £73 million move from Dortmund.
Looking Ahead to Bournemouth Clash
Sancho is expected to be included in the squad for Villa's upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, where he will have another opportunity to silence his critics and register that elusive first league goal contribution. The match represents a crucial chance for the winger to demonstrate he can adapt to Emery's requirements and prove he deserves consideration for a permanent move.
Hendrie's comments highlight the growing pressure on Sancho to deliver during the remainder of his loan spell, with his future at the highest level potentially hanging in the balance as he approaches what should be the peak years of his career.
