Jadon Sancho is reportedly prepared to stay without a club until January rather than rush into the wrong move, with the former Manchester United winger still weighing up several options across Europe and beyond.
The 26-year-old became a free agent after his United contract expired at the end of June, bringing a difficult five-year spell at Old Trafford to a close.
Plenty of clubs have shown interest since then, but three months into the season, Sancho is still waiting for an opportunity that genuinely appeals to him.
Sancho happy to stay patient for the right opportunity
According to TEAMtalk’s latest report on Sancho’s future, the winger is willing to remain a free agent until the New Year if a suitable offer does not arrive sooner.
Sancho has held discussions with clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, Qatar and the UAE, but nothing is currently advanced.
A return to Borussia Dortmund was understood to be one of his preferred options. However, the Bundesliga side are not presently looking to bring him back after signing Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri on loan.
TEAMtalk also reports that Como have explored a possible deal, while there has been interest from Germany, France and Spain.
For now, Sancho has been keeping himself fit by training with a non-league side in Manchester while his representatives continue to assess his options.
What next for the English winger?
There is some sense in Sancho refusing to sign for the sake of it.
At 26, his next move could be one of the most important of his career, and another bad fit would hardly help after difficult spells at United and Aston Villa.
Sancho is comfortable waiting before committing to his next club.
Still, there is an obvious downside. Sancho has not played competitive football since last season, so every additional month without a club makes returning to peak match fitness more difficult.
His talent has never really been the question. The challenge now is finding a team where he will play regularly, feel trusted and finally build some momentum again. If that means waiting until January, Sancho appears prepared to take that gamble.
Man United quoted £13m after initial contacts over signing 21-year-old