Jadon Sancho is likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, and that could be key to Manchester United's pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni.
Sancho paved the way for MU to sign Tchouameni.
Manchester United are preparing for a major transfer window, with Aurelien Tchouameni being a prominent target to replace Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season. This forces MU to find a new anchor for the midfield, and Tchouameni is among the top priorities.
The Real Madrid star is considered one of the most complete defensive midfielders in Europe today. At 26 years old, he is entering the prime of his career.
To pursue Tchouameni, MU needs to create a significant financial space. And Jadon Sancho could provide the solution.
According to multiple sources, Sancho has agreed in principle to a potential return to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer when his current contract expires at the end of June.
MU will not charge a transfer fee, but parting ways with a player earning around £300,000 a week will significantly reduce the club's wage bill.
This is a crucial factor if the Old Trafford club wants to recruit high-earning players like Tchouameni.
Besides Sancho, MU could also part ways with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford this summer. If that happens, the budget for rebuilding the squad will increase significantly.
According to British media, MU is expected to bring in four new players: two midfielders, one experienced striker, and one left-back.
In addition to Tchouameni, the team is also monitoring Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
For MU, the challenge now is not just about who to buy, but also about paving the way for bigger deals.
And in that plan, Sancho could become the first domino.