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After leaving Old Trafford, former Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho prompts bizarre transfer clarification from 10th-tier club
Deepa Krishnaswamy | August 8, 2026 4:18 AM CST

Non-league outfit Flixton FC have been compelled to issue an unusual public clarification stating that Jadon Sancho is not in talks to join the club. The 26-year-old winger is currently a free agent after his troubled spell at Manchester United officially ended earlier this summer.

Flixton FC clarify Sancho situation

Flixton FC have moved to release an official statement confirming that they are not in negotiations to sign former United winger Sancho. The 26-year-old, who became a free agent on July 1, has been using the 10th-tier club's facilities in Greater Manchester to stay fit while he weighs up several professional offers from around the world.

The strange situation arose after Sancho appeared in a video praising the quality of the non-league club's set-up, sparking speculation that he could make a shock move far down the football pyramid. In the clip, the former United winger said: "You've got a nice layout here. It's my first time around this area, and it's the first time I've seen a nice pitch [in this area] apart from United and City."

Club owner sets the record straight

In a bid to firmly shut down the viral rumours and also acknowledge the winger's exemplary conduct during his time at the ground, the club's leadership released a full explanation outlining the real reason for his visit.

In an official statement, Flixton owner Christopher Garcia said: "Over the past few days, we've seen a number of posts and comments circulating regarding Jadon Sancho's visit to Flixton FC.

"To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions. He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career.

"We're proud that the quality of our pitch and facilities made Flixton a place where a player of his calibre felt comfortable training, and he is welcome to train at Flixton FC whenever he wishes."

Garcia continued: "During his visit, Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time. After completing his session, he happily met with young supporters, posed for photos, signed autographs, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

"Jadon is a world-class footballer who has achieved more in the game than most players could ever dream of. He deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed."

Sancho's Old Trafford struggles

This bizarre episode involving Flixton is the latest development in a difficult period for Sancho, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund for a huge £73 million in 2021. His time at the Theatre of Dreams never truly got going, producing only 12 goals in 83 appearances across a five-year spell.

Sancho's contract finally ran out on July 1, leaving him as one of the most high-profile free agents available. Although he helped Unai Emery's Aston Villa side win silverware in the Europa League while on loan last season, the England international was often used in a supporting role, starting only 18 of his 39 appearances during the campaign.

Waiting for the next chapter

Although the links with the non-league side were purely speculative, the winger is attracting genuine interest from abroad as he considers his next move. Qatari club Al-Rayyan have emerged as one of the few teams to make a formal enquiry, offering the 26-year-old the possibility of a fresh start in the Middle East.

Sancho is reportedly open to several possibilities, including a move to the Saudi Pro League or a return to the Bundesliga, where he previously enjoyed success with Borussia Dortmund. For now, he remains without a club, continuing his solo training routine after a brief spell in which a 10th-tier side unexpectedly became the centre of the football world.


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