Manchester City make surprise call on future of youngster labelled ‘next Sancho’

Jadon Sancho scored just his second Manchester United goal on Thursday, as the Red Devils defeated Burnley 3-1 at Old Trafford. 

The England international was prolific for former side Borussia Dortmund, scoring 50 goals and registering 64 assists in 137 games, but has struggled to recreate that form in England.

The 21-year-old began his career at rivals Manchester City, starring for their academy before departing to the Bundesliga in 2017.

After returning three years later, however, Sancho had shown City that they were wrong to let him leave as a youngster, although it now appears that history could be about to repeat itself.

According to The Manchester Evening News, City will not stand in the way of youngster Jayden Braaf if a move is made for him in January.

Braaf has been capped by his native Netherlands at a number of different age groups

The youngster has been impressive for City’s academy in recent seasons, but has struggled to earn a place in the senior side and is reportedly therefore ready to depart the club if an appropriate offer is made.

City took the same stance with Sancho in 2017 and that decision has since been made to look like a poor one, which makes their decision on Braaf an even more surprising one.

The 19-year-old joined City’s academy in 2018 and won the club’s under-23 player of the year award in 2020, but has just six months remaining on his current deal and could be plying his trade elsewhere next term.

The forward is yet to make his senior debut for City, but did make four appearances for Italian side Udinese during a loan spell in Serie A last season.

The Dutchman had an option to buy clause in his year-long loan deal with Udinese, but suffered a season-ending injury after just four games with the club and returned to City.

A number of clubs, both in England and abroad, are credited with an interest in Braaf.