BIRMINGHAM, UK — Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has backed Jadon Sancho to make his stay at Aston Villa permanent this summer but warns that the winger’s “astronomical” wages remain the only hurdle.
Sancho, currently on loan from Manchester United, is set to become a free agent in June after reports emerged that United will not trigger his one-year extension. Despite a quiet season statistically recording just one goal and one assist in 25 appearances—O’Hara believes the talent is still there if the price is right.
The Wage War
Sancho currently earns a reported £250,000 per week, with United still subsidizing a portion of that during his time in the Midlands. According to O’Hara, Villa boss Unai Emery will not break the club’s wage structure to keep the 25-year-old.
“He looks like he’s found his way again, he’s a talented player,” O’Hara told 10bet. “But I just don’t know what sort of wages he’s going to want. That’s where the problem will be for Aston Villa, because they’re not going to pay 200 grand a week for Jadon Sancho.”
Emery’s Project vs. Sancho’s Form
Unai Emery has been vocal about his patience with Sancho, recently noting that while the first half of the season “was not enough,” the winger is now “getting better.” For Villa, signing a player who cost United £73 million for zero transfer fee is a tempting prospect, especially as they look to cement their place in European football for 2026/27.
However, with players like Emiliano Martinez and Youri Tielemans earning around £150,000 per week, Sancho will likely have to accept a £100,000-per-week pay cut to make the move a reality.
A Career at the Crossroads
For Sancho, the choice is clear: prioritize his bank account with a move to the Saudi Pro League or Turkey, or sacrifice his salary to resurrect his Premier League career under Emery. With the 2026 World Cup looming, a permanent home at Villa Park might be his only path back into the England squad.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
