Jadon Sancho's career hits new low as Chelsea's £5million decision pays off

Jadon Sancho should have been leaving Villa Park with a triumphant grin after witnessing his Aston Villa side secure a narrow victory over his former team Manchester City.

However, he left the pitch looking thunderous. While Villa were basking in their victory, all Sancho had managed was to hit a new low.

This is quite an achievement, given the recent downturn in his career. The winger hasn't started a match since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

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Despite being brought on before half-time against Pep Guardiola's squad, he endured the ultimate embarrassment of being substituted off in the second half.

Unai Emery attempted to justify his decision, but Sancho showed no interest and brushed past him before retaking his place on the bench. What has led to such a downfall for Sancho? When he signed for United in a £73m deal in 2021, life seemed perfect.

At that time, United were privately boasting about having secured the signing of the summer. He was part of the England team that made it to the final of the Euros that same summer.

He was anticipated to become a massive superstar at Old Trafford. However, he achieved nothing of the sort. Instead, Sancho has become one of football's most costly flops. United are eager to offload him permanently.

Chelsea had been hopeful, but the London-based club were so eager to send him back up north from his loan spell that they forked out £5m for the privilege. Sancho was unable to secure a new permanent home in the last transfer window.

So when the opportunity arose to join Villa on loan, courtesy of Emery, he seized it. However, once again, Sancho has failed to make his mark.

He's had run-ins with managers, most notably Erik ten Hag. His attitude has been called into question more than once, and he appears to be a lost cause. All this at the tender age of 25.

There's certainly no love lost between Sancho and Guardiola. Guardiola made the decision to offload Sancho to Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee back in 2017.

This decision came after Sancho turned down a contract offer and also refused to participate in a pre-season tour of the United States. Guardiola foresaw trouble brewing and promptly got rid. More than eight years on, it seems like a stroke of genius.