The transfer saga of Jadon Sancho continues to dominate headlines in Europe. Manchester United have been looking for a way to part ways with the England international, whose time at Old Trafford has been marred by inconsistency, internal conflicts, and fitness struggles. While Roma appeared to have positioned themselves as the club most likely to secure his signature, a familiar problem has emerged that could derail the deal.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian side has already reached an agreement with Manchester United over the transfer fee, reportedly €19 million plus an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses. Roma are even prepared to meet Sancho’s salary demands of €9 million per season, a significant financial commitment for a Serie A side that has traditionally been careful with wages. Despite this, the move is under serious threat due to the demands of Sancho’s representatives, who are asking for commission payments that Roma’s board considers excessive.
The influence of player agents has long been a controversial subject in football, and Sancho’s case is no exception. The sticking point is not the transfer fee or the player’s wage packet, but rather the commission requested by his agent. According to Italian media reports, the agent’s financial demands were the very same reason that Juventus and Atlético Madrid previously pulled out of negotiations for the 24-year-old winger.
In an era where clubs are under greater financial scrutiny than ever before, especially in leagues like Serie A where Financial Fair Play restrictions are closely monitored, Roma’s hesitation is understandable. The club has worked diligently to stabilize its finances, and agreeing to such heavy commission payments could disrupt their budgetary balance.
The situation illustrates a broader issue in modern football: sometimes, even when a club, player, and selling team are all in agreement, the role of agents can complicate or even collapse deals. For Roma, the fear is that meeting these demands could set a precedent for future negotiations, where agents expect similar concessions.For Roma, landing Sancho would have been a statement signing. The club is eager to strengthen its attack and add a player capable of providing width, creativity, and flair. Despite his struggles at Manchester United, Sancho’s talent is undisputed. His dribbling, vision, and ability to take on defenders remain qualities that few players in Roma’s squad currently possess.
Moreover, Roma’s coach sees him as someone who could thrive in Italy, where tactical discipline could help refine his game while giving him the space to rediscover the confidence that made him one of Europe’s brightest prospects at Borussia Dortmund. For fans, the signing would have represented a major coup, showing that the club can attract international talent in their prime. For Sancho himself, the transfer is more than just a change of scenery—it is an opportunity to reset his career. Since arriving at Manchester United in 2021 for €85 million, he has not lived up to expectations. His fallout with manager Erik ten Hag last season left him sidelined for months, and while he remains highly rated, it is clear that his future does not lie in Manchester. At 24 years old, Sancho needs a fresh start, and Roma could have provided the perfect platform.
From Manchester United’s perspective, the agreement with Roma seemed like an ideal outcome. Offloading Sancho for €19 million plus bonuses, even at a significant financial loss compared to his original transfer fee, would have cleared wages and reduced dressing-room friction. The club is in the midst of a rebuild and cannot afford players who are not fully integrated into the project.
United are aware, however, that they are not in a strong negotiating position. With few clubs willing to take on Sancho’s wages, and with his reputation damaged after his time in England, Roma’s interest was seen as one of the most realistic escape routes. If the move fails due to agent demands, United risk being stuck with a player who has little role in their long-term plans.
