Jadon Sancho told to sign special contract if he wants permanent Aston Villa transfer
Jadon Sancho’s Aston Villa career hasn’t gone to plan at all.
Sancho joined Aston Villa from Manchester United on a season-long loan, although after 14 top-flight appearances, he is still waiting for his first Premier League goal under Unai Emery.
Despite the lack of game time in domestic competitions, the 25-year-old has been impressive in the Europa League.
Sancho was excellent in the 1-0 win over Fenerbahce on 23 January and has played a key role in their continental success so far this season.
Although the question over his long-term future in B6 remains unanswered, Gabby Agbonlahor hasn’t been convinced by the English winger.
Aston Villa can’t sign Jadon Sancho unless he takes a huge pay cut
Despite only playing 518 minutes in the top flight, Sancho‘s technical ability has still left doubts about whether Emery will want to keep him past this season.
He commands an incredibly high wage, and if Aston Villa are interested in signing him on a permanent deal, then he’ll have to compromise with them when entering negotiations.
With stats via Sofascore, he has made 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes in the Europa League, and his talent is undeniable.
However, there are always question marks around his work ethic, and it has taken some time for Emery to warm to him.
| Stat | Sancho |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 84.1% |
| Chances created | 15 |
| Dribble success | 64.7% |
Speaking on talkSPORT on 11 February, Agbonlahor is against the idea of Sancho on a permanent deal unless he is open to significantly reducing his wages.
He said: “I don’t know if Villa will sign him permanently, but maybe if Financial Fair Play rules stop them from getting certain players.
“If he does join permanently, I would want it to be a really short contract, I’m talking a one-year deal, and on a tenth of the money he’s on.
“A £30,000 a week and appearance-based contract would work because I don’t want to see Villa making a big mistake.
“He might look elsewhere in Saudi Arabia or the MLS, but he just simply doesn’t have that pace to get past his man in the Premier League.”
John McGinn is out of action until April, which paves the way for Sancho to make more of a name for himself at Villa Park.
John McGinn’s injury allows for Sancho to prove himself
Having transitioned to a wide position this season, the Scotland international’s qualities as a central midfielder make him an unorthodox winger.
The 31-year-old has adapted to the change with ease, and he has kept the likes of Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen out of the team.
Now that both of those wingers have left Villa, and McGinn is on the sidelines, Emery has turned to Sancho on the right-hand side.
He registered an assist against Bournemouth on Saturday, and it could give him the platform to push on with improved performances.
If he does hit a promising run of form, then Emery may view him as someone who can make an impact at Villa on a long-term basis.