Jadon Sancho has been waiting out a decision over his future training at a non-league ground, the club has confirmed.
Manchester United‘s former £73million man departed Old Trafford this summer as a free agent after a checkered five-year stint.
But as he ponders his next move, Sancho opted for an unorthodox venue to keep fit – 10th-tier side Flixton FC, with the 26-year-old visiting and then training at their 2,000 Valley Ground.
The ground is just three miles from Man United’s storied training ground Carrington, but a world away, as the home to members of the North West Counties League Division One North.
Sancho’s appearance at the non-league side came as such a surprise that Flixton were forced to release a statement explaining why he had chosen the ground, and praising his ‘humble’ nature.
‘Over the past few days, we’ve seen a number of posts and comments circulating regarding Jadon Sancho’s visit to Flixton FC,’ the statement began. ‘To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions.
Non-league side Flixton FC have released a statement after Jadon Sancho visited the club and trained at its ground
The former Manchester United star has not yet decided who he will continue his career with
‘He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career.
‘We’re proud that the quality of our pitch and facilities made Flixton a place where a player of his caliber felt comfortable training, and he is welcome to train at Flixton FC whenever he wishes.
‘During his visit, Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time. After completing his session, he happily met with young supporters, posed for photos, signed autographs, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
‘Jadon is a world-class footballer who has achieved more in the game than most players could ever dream of. He deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed.
‘We thank Jadon for choosing Flixton FC as a place to train and wish him every success in the next stage of his career, which will undoubtedly be at a level far above where we currently compete. Our doors will always be open for him.’
Sancho had been a long-desired signing under former Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, finally arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2021.
But after an uneven first two seasons peppered with injury, Sancho underwent a punishing exile at the start of the 2023-24 season after falling out of favour with then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Sancho had seemingly hit out at his head coach after Ten Hag had said publicly that he had not made the squad to face Arsenal due to his performances in training not being to his manager’s liking.
The player spent nearly six months away from competitive action before a loan to his former club Borussia Dortmund in January 2024.
Season-long stints at Chelsea and Aston Villa followed, with Sancho in May becoming the first player in history to make three European finals, in three consecutive seasons, in three different cup competitions, for three different clubs.
But despite bursts of promise, Sancho still has no confirmed destination for the start of the coming season.
Daily Mail Sport reported last week that Qatari side Al-Rayyan were keeping tabs on the former England international, with Atletico Madrid also maintaining an interest in the star.
