Aston Villa’s dramatic deadline-day capture of Jadon Sancho has already set tongues wagging, and now the winger has lifted the lid on the two people who made the move irresistible. The England international revealed that it was manager Unai Emery and his close friend Marcus Rashford who ultimately persuaded him to swap Manchester United for Villa Park.
Sancho, 25, sealed a season-long loan move to Villa late on transfer deadline day, ending weeks of speculation about his future at Old Trafford. Speaking in his first interview with Villa TV, the ex-Borussia Dortmund star admitted Emery’s direct approach left him convinced the Midlands club was the right destination.
“When I spoke to Unai Emery, he definitely persuaded me. His passion, his vision, and the way he sees me fitting into the team—those were decisive,” Sancho explained. “I cannot wait to work under him and prove myself in claret and blue.”
The winger also revealed that Marcus Rashford, his former Manchester United teammate who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, played a pivotal role in shaping his decision. “Marcus spoke so highly about Villa. He said it feels like a family here, that the environment is friendly, competitive, and full of great players and staff. That gave me a lot of confidence about joining.”
For Emery, Sancho represents another high-profile addition as Villa look to build on their impressive domestic and European campaigns. The Spaniard has already been credited with revitalising the careers of several players, and fans are hopeful Sancho will rediscover the explosive form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
Villa supporters, meanwhile, are buzzing about the coup, hailing Sancho as a potential game-changer. Social media has been flooded with excitement, with many fans noting that pairing him with Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey could create one of the Premier League’s most feared attacking units.
For Sancho, this loan spell is a chance at redemption after a turbulent stint at Manchester United. If Emery’s belief and Rashford’s endorsement are anything to go by, Aston Villa might just be the place where the winger finally silences his critics and reignites his career.
