Ex-Chelsea scout reveals why they rejected Jadon Sancho long before Man Utd move

A former scout has revealed why Chelsea passed up the chance to sign Jadon Sancho long before he joined Manchester United.

Jadon Sancho was one of the most exciting young talents in world football, although his career stagnated after he joined Man United in 2021.

The English winger burst onto the scene at Borussia Dortmund at just 17 years old after leaving Manchester City, and four years later United paid £73 million to bring him to the Premier League.

Sancho struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford though, and was frozen out of the squad in September 2023 after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.

In January Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan until the end of the season, and it looks unlikely that he will play for United again.

Nobody could have foreseen Sancho's form dropping off as dramatically as it has, but a former Chelsea scout has revealed exactly why he decided not to sign the youngster.

Chris Robinson was a key member of Chelsea's scouting team over the last 10 years, and he explained to Rising Ballers what put him off signing Sancho.

"I saw Jadon Sancho when he was under-14s playing as a striker for Watford," Robinson said.

"He was alright... You know, he was just ok.

Getty)

"He signed for Manchester City almost straight after. We knew that City were interested, and he became a winger there and became the player he was at Borussia Dortmund, he was terrific wasn't he."

Robinson revealed that he also passed up opportunities to sign Dele Alli and Joe Gomez, who at the time were playing for MK Dons and Charlton Athletic respectively.

A return to Germany doesn't appear to have sparked Sancho back into form.

The 23-year-old has contributed two assists and zero goals in 11 appearances for BVB this term.