Jadon Sancho, the 26-year-old former Manchester United winger now without a club, has been keeping himself in shape at an unlikely venue — 10th-tier Flixton FC in Greater Manchester.
The England international departed Old Trafford at the end of June when his contract expired, leaving him as a free agent alongside Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia.
Flixton’s Valley Road ground sits just three miles from United’s Carrington training complex but occupies an entirely different footballing universe, serving as home to a North West Counties League Division One North side.
In footage shared on Flixton’s social media channels, Sancho remarked: “You’ve got a nice layout here.
Jadon Sancho was released by United in the summer after his contract expired, having spent last season on loan at Aston Villa
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“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.”
His unexpected appearance quickly sparked widespread speculation online.
Flixton owner Christopher Garcia moved swiftly to quash the rumours, releasing a statement on Instagram.
“To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions,” he said. “He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career.”
Garcia spoke warmly of the player’s character during his visit. “Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time,” he added.
“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.”
The club described Sancho as “a world-class footballer” who “deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed.”
Sancho arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth approximately £73 million but never recaptured his Bundesliga form in a United shirt, managing 12 goals across 83 appearances.
His relationship with then-manager Erik ten Hag collapsed during the 2023-24 season after the player publicly suggested he had been made a “scapegoat,” leading to a prolonged exile from the first-team squad.
A January 2024 loan back to Dortmund followed, where he reached the Champions League final. He then joined Chelsea, scoring in their Conference League final triumph in 2025.
Jadon Sancho scored just 12 goals for Manchester United after his £73million move | Getty
A season-long spell at Aston Villa came next, with Sancho featuring as Unai Emery’s side lifted the Europa League by defeating Freiburg — making him the first player to appear in three consecutive European finals for three different clubs. Villa, however, declined to sign him permanently.
Despite his record of reaching European finals, Sancho has so far attracted limited interest from potential suitors. Qatari club Al-Rayyan are understood to have made enquiries about the former England international, while Atletico Madrid have also been monitoring his situation.
Sancho is reportedly receptive to a move to the Middle East, where the Saudi Pro League remains another viable option. Equally, he has not ruled out staying in European football.
As a free agent commanding no transfer fee, it would seem only a matter of time before the winger secures his next destination. Flixton, for their part, made clear their faith in his future: “Our doors will always be open to him,” Garcia said.
