Jadon Sancho’s future in Manchester has been doubtful throughout the entirety of the summer, and United’s preference for a permanent sale has not moved any closer to becoming reality. Reports this week have named Roma as a new potential suitor, and it is easy to see why, given Gian Piero Gasperini’s track record for masterful man-management.
Roma Interested in Jadon Sancho
After failing to impress since making a $98 million move to Manchester United in 2021, a series of stuttering loan deals have underlined Jadon Sancho’s floundering career.
Not since his final year of his first stint at Borussia Dortmund has the now-25-year-old managed to reach double figures, for either goals nor assists.
This is a man who ranked among the most productive attackers in Europe in his formative years, racking up three consecutive seasons with 20-plus goal involvements.
Inconsistent form and a spate of injuries have plagued what should have been a much more fruitful career up to this point, but at 25, there is still potential for Sancho to be moulded.
Even in the face of worrying form, potential suitors are willing to take the risk. Interest in Sancho from Juventus has been constant throughout the summer, while inevitable contact from Saudi Arabia’s heavyweights has been reported.
However, Roma’s new-found interest makes more sense than any rumor doing the rounds.
Ademola Lookman Under Gian Piero Gasperini
Roma’s enquiry over the pricing and structure of a potential deal for Sancho means any interest is at an early stage. It hasn’t stopped offshore sportsbooks from speculating over the deal, however, with Roma now the favorites to sign him.
The Giallorossi’s interest has new manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s fingerprints all over it.
Across his nine-year tenure in Bergamo, Gasperini garnered a reputation for squeezing the absolute maximum out of players who very few teams were prepared to take a chance on.
It has become one of Atalanta’s hallmarks; identify a budget-friendly market opportunity, introduce them to Gasperini’s careful onboarding, and watch the value of the initial investment skyrocket.
Gasperini was responsible for fanning the flame of many careers in danger of fizzing out, but Ademola Lookman’s transformation is perhaps his best work.
Lookman, who is currently on strike as he attempts to force a move to Inter Milan, has developed into one of Europe’s most productive forwards.
Very few could have foreseen this level in his future, particularly having never scored more than six goals in any of his six league seasons in senior soccer, prior to his move to Atalanta.
African Player of the Year. Ballon D’or nominee. Europa League final hat-trick.
It is easy to forget this is the same player who was forced out of Fulham for not being at the level required.
In step Gasperini, who unshackled Lookman from his vices and allowed him to command the forward line as he wishes.
Gasperini’s arrvial at Roma is one of the reasons why they are considered to be a favorite in the Serie A title race, and should he be able to implement the kind of fluidity and attacking expression that made Lookman so fruitful, goals will arrive in abundance.
Lookman went from a career-high tally of 12 goal involvements in a single season, to three consecutive campaigns with 20-plus at Atalanta.
This should inspire a huge amount of confidence in Jadon Sancho, who may have his head turned by Gasperini’s interest.
Jadon Sancho vs Ademola Lookman Stats Compared
For the purposes of this article, it is worth comparing Lookman’s most fruitful season under Gasperini, with Sancho’s most productive at Borussia Dortmund.
At the peak of their powers, both Sancho and Lookman have produced similar numbers, both in terms of goal involvements, as well as drilling down deep into in-game stats.
Sancho’s best years may have past him by if recent form is any indication, but Gasperini’s ability to unlock something in Lookman suggests he can do the same with the Englishman.
The comparisons are there to be made; both are strong ball carriers, successful dribblers and lethal when given the chance.
It is hard to imagine Sancho not being enthused by Gasperini’s attacking fluidity, given he has been tethered by the rigidness of wide players in Erik Ten Hag and Enzo Maresca’s systems.
The post Gian Piero Gasperini’s Transformative Effect On Ademola Lookman Should Inspire Roma Target Jadon Sancho appeared first on FootItalia.com.
