Arab Falcons explore bold move to bring Jadon Sancho to Dubai

Arab Falcons, who play in the UAE’s second tier, are preparing to make an approach for former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho as they look to add the 26-year-old free agent to an ambitious new project.

The club are expected to contact a number of high-profile players who are currently without contracts, with Sancho understood to be one of their leading targets, according to the British newspaper The Mirror.

Arab Falcons hope Sancho’s current availability could give them an opportunity to persuade the England international to begin a new chapter in Dubai. A move would represent a major signing for a second-tier club and could offer Sancho the chance to rebuild his career after several seasons of uncertainty.

The project is being led by former England player Jonjo Shelvey. Former Leicester City defender Danny Simpson, who won the Premier League with the club in 2016, is taking on the dual role of player and coach, while Ravel Morrison has been appointed captain.

Sancho became a free agent after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired in June. Aston Villa also decided not to take up the option to retain him following the end of his loan spell last season, leaving the winger free to join another club without a transfer fee.

Manchester United signed Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for €85m. However, he struggled to establish himself consistently at Old Trafford and returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January 2024.

During that spell in Germany, Sancho helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final. He later moved to Chelsea, where he won the Europa League, although negotiations over making his move to the London club permanent eventually broke down.

Sancho then joined Aston Villa on loan. He made 39 appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

The winger has been linked with several clubs in recent months, including Fiorentina, Roma and Palmeiras. None of those discussions resulted in a final agreement, leaving Arab Falcons hopeful that they can take advantage of his situation.

Sancho began his senior career with Manchester City before making his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund, where his performances earned him a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United. His time at the English club, however, was marked by difficulties in securing a regular place and by an increasingly uncertain relationship with the team.

Arab Falcons now want to offer him a fresh destination and a central role in their developing plans. The club believe a move to Dubai could appeal to Sancho as he considers the next stage of his career, although no agreement has yet been reached and the proposed approach remains at the negotiation stage.