Sancho Set for Juventus Swap as Amorim Eyes Douglas Luiz to Bolster Manchester United Midfield
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho is close to exiting Old Trafford in a proposed swap deal with Juventus that would see Douglas Luiz head the other way, as part of manager Rúben Amorim’s aggressive summer rebuild.
Sources confirmed the deal is progressing swiftly ahead of United’s pre-season training kickoff on Monday, July 7, with Amorim fully backing the move as he reshapes a squad that slumped to 15th in the Premier League last season.
Sancho, signed for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has endured a turbulent tenure at United. His falling-out with former manager Erik ten Hag and a disappointing loan spell at Chelsea—who paid £5 million to avoid making the deal permanent—have left his career at a crossroads.
Amorim, who arrived in November 2024, has no place for Sancho in his 3-4-3 system, prompting Juventus to propose a straight swap involving Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder, once a Premier League standout at Aston Villa, has struggled to settle in Turin, enduring an injury-hit season with zero goals or assists in 27 appearances.
However, Luiz’s 2023-24 campaign at Villa, where he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists, has convinced Amorim of his fit in a United midfield lacking dynamism. With Christian Eriksen departing and Casemiro’s form declining, Luiz could inject much-needed energy and support for Bruno Fernandes. His arrival would also help offset the inconsistent form of Manuel Ugarte, whom Amorim worked with at Sporting CP.
The deal aligns with United’s financial constraints, helping offload Sancho’s £250,000-a-week wages while avoiding an upfront fee. Juventus currently value Luiz at €30 million, but the swap structure bypasses direct expenditure.
Juventus had previously offered alternatives, including Dusan Vlahovic and Timothy Weah, but Amorim prioritized Luiz. Meanwhile, Sancho is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to reignite his career in Serie A, seeing the move as a chance to recapture his Bundesliga form.
The swap also underscores Amorim’s ruthless approach to the rebuild, with Sancho, Antony, Rashford, and Garnacho all identified as potentially expendable to fund reinforcements.
For United, Luiz offers Premier League experience and versatility, though questions remain about his durability. For Juventus, Sancho represents a high-risk, high-reward signing capable of rejuvenating their wide play if he adapts to Italian football.
As United prepare for a busy pre-season tour across Malaysia, the United States, and Asia, this move could be pivotal to reversing the club’s fortunes after 18 league defeats and a Europa League final loss last season. Fans will hope Luiz can bring both balance and bite to a midfield that has too often lacked both.
