Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovač has publicly ruled out a return for free-agent winger Jadon Sancho, stating that the Bundesliga club is already well-stocked with players. As reported by TEAMtalk, Kovač addressed the speculation following Dortmund's 3-0 victory over SC Paderborn, closing the door on a potential third stint for the 26-year-old at the Signal Iduna Park.
Speaking on his squad depth, Kovač explained: "I think we had a really good transfer summer. We're very well positioned. The squad is already very large. We have 26 outfield players, many of them young. Therefore, we don't need to concern ourselves with that."
According to reports from Goal, Dortmund's hierarchy did discuss a potential move for Sancho following a severe injury to forward Giannis Konstantelias. However, the club ultimately prioritized alternative options, securing young English forward Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal on deadline day instead.
Sancho has been without a club since his departure from Manchester United, with database records confirming his transition to free agency on July 1, 2026. A report by The Mirror notes that the winger spent the previous season on loan at Aston Villa under Unai Emery, where he registered one goal and three assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. The same report states that Chelsea previously paid a £5 million penalty to Manchester United to opt out of a permanent obligation-to-buy clause following an earlier loan spell.
While speculative reports have linked Sancho with potential interest from clubs in Turkey, the Saudi Pro League, and the UAE, no formal agreements have materialized. With major European windows closed, the free agent continues to assess his options for the 2026–27 campaign.
