Aston Villa’s £10.5m Deal for New Winger Puts Jadon Sancho’s Role in Jeopardy
Aston Villa is making significant moves to strengthen its attacking lineup, potentially complicating Jadon Sancho’s future at the club. The team has reached a £10.5 million agreement to sign 19-year-old Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio. This acquisition could push Sancho further down the pecking order in Villa’s winger department.
Jadon Sancho’s Loan Spell at Aston Villa
Sancho, 25, is currently on loan from Manchester United and has been with Villa since the beginning of the 2025/26 season. Despite this opportunity, he has yet to score, making just 12 appearances under manager Unai Emery.
His performance has not met the expectations set by the club. Most of his playing time has come in the Europa League, where he saw limited action. In a recent 2-1 victory against Arsenal, Sancho played only 15 minutes. In earlier matches, he did not come off the bench against Brighton and saw just two minutes of play in a win over Wolverhampton.
Alysson’s Impact on Villa’s Winger Competition
With the signing of Alysson, Sancho faces increased competition for playing time. The deal includes an initial payment of £8.7 million, with an additional £1.8 million in performance-related bonuses. Gremio has also negotiated a sell-on clause with the club.
- Alysson’s profile:
- Position: Winger
- Age: 19
- Previous Team: Gremio
- 2023 Stats: 2 goals and 5 assists in 43 appearances
Alysson will join an already competitive attacking unit featuring Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rodgers, Evann Guessand, Donyell Malen, Harvey Elliott, and Sancho. This increased depth may limit Sancho’s opportunities unless he significantly improves his contributions on the field.
Future Prospects for Jadon Sancho
Sancho’s loan at Villa is his third stint away from Manchester United, as the player has struggled to find a permanent club willing to sign him. As his contract at United expires this summer, he can leave on a Bosman deal. Former teammate Marco Reus has indicated interest in bringing Sancho to LA Galaxy, but it remains unclear if he will consider a move to the United States at this stage of his career.
As Villa gears up for the second half of the season, the competition for places is fierce. The uncertainty surrounding Sancho’s future continues as he aims to prove his worth in this challenging environment.
