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Since defying most supporters’ expectations and opting to leave Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund in 2017, Jadon Sancho’s ascent to international acclaim has been sensational. Primarily, the 19-year-old has been a forerunner for young players, paving the way for youngsters disillusioned by insufficient senior involvement at Premier League clubs to seek regular participation in foreign divisions – notably, the Bundesliga.

Footballing motives aside, being exposed to a new country, new language and a new culture are likely to be of invaluable significance to these players, mostly as many are still in their adolescence. Such formative experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual’s persona and outlook.

Moreover, since opting to join Dortmund, Sancho’s decision has been utterly vindicated, and not many people would have anticipated the winger making such an immediate impact in the Bundesliga, one that has markedly impacted recent transfer dealings, crafting an alternative avenue for budding talents to fulfil their aspirations.

During his inaugural season with Dortmund, the first of his senior career, the Englishman amassed 12 appearances registering five-goal contributions (one scored, four assists). Having established the foundations to further his progression, Sancho has been firmly integrated into Dortmund’s first-team, a mutually beneficial decision for both club and player alike. In 26 league outings, the 19-year-old has contributed towards 23 goals (eight scored, 15 assists), thereby exhibiting maturity that outweighs his years, and becoming one of the league’s most talented players.

His decision has been vindicated further by his international involvement, his club form has been duly rewarded by Gareth Southgate, and the 19-year-old has already attained four international caps, registering two assists so far. In an era in which the topic of youth integration in football is arguably at its most salient, Sancho has almost single-handedly altered the perception and the subsequent evaluation of young players, especially in the Premier League.

The former Watford academy player is exceedingly talented and versatile, capable of playing impactfully on either wing. He’s regarded for his tremendous dribbling capabilities, and his eye for a pass, particularly ones that lead to meaningful chance creation. The 19-year-old is an enterprising player, who flaunts treasured technical ability and great skill. Given his rapid ascension to international renown, it’s unsurprising to see the proliferation of transfer speculation concerning the young winger’s future. Recently, Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for the Dortmund man.

Despite being level on points with Bayern Munich in their pursuit of the Bundesliga crown, Borussia Dortmund have an unfavourable record of retaining their best players. Seemingly, every player has his price. Thus notions of Sancho leaving the Westfalenstadion in the summer are not improbable. That said, are United truly the most appropriate fit for a player of his burgeoning promise?

Currently, United are blessed already with numerous options in attacking positions, and they’re still attempting to overcome the disappointment and the resulting financial burden of the Alexis Sanchez transfer. Moreover, while United’s status as one of the most successful and esteemed clubs in football history is undeniable, are they truly as alluring as previous years?

Manchester United have failed to win the Premier League for the previous six seasons, and the furthest that the Red Devils have progressed in the Champions League over the same period has been the quarter-final. If United are incapable of competing for the league title and are struggling in their endeavours to progress in the Champions League, then perhaps Jadon Sancho would be better served in resisting any United advances this summer.

A player of his immense quality and extensive potential is capable of arousing interest from the world’s best clubs. His progression has been equally startling and imposing, and the current signs indicate that his performances and output will continue to improve. Surely, it would be of greater interest to the Englishman to wait and examine potential interest from other giants of European football? Of course, Sancho could choose to remain in Germany, and continue with the club that have demonstrated the faith in his ability and provided him with the platform to showcase his quality.

Whatever the future holds for the Englishman, given his talent and scope for improvement, Sancho can reach the upper echelons of world football, and any hasty decisions regarding his future could impede his development. Plausibly, if his evolution continues in the same vein, he could represent any club that he desires. In the meantime, the hard work and perseverance must continue, to consolidate his status as the most exciting young player on the planet.