Jadon Sancho has been challenged to prove he is worth the hype next season if he stays at Borussia Dortmund for another year.
Related articles Jadon Sancho 'respects' Dortmund stance against Ed Woodward Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona threaten to hijack Sancho deal The England star has developed into one of Europe's most dangerous attacking players and scored 17 goals and provided 16 assists in 32 Bundesliga games last season.
And it is those statistics which have led to Manchester United making a concerted effort to sign him this summer.
But United's efforts have been rebuffed by Dortmund, who have confidently declared the 20-year-old will be staying in Germany for at least another season.
United are expected to test Dortmund's stance with an improved offer but as it stands, the Premier League side look set to be disappointed.
Will Jadon Sancho be on the move this summer? (Image: GETTY) However, Liverpool legend John Barnes believes another year in German football will ultimately lead to Sancho getting a transfer in 2021.
“I don’t think one more years’ experience in Germany will hurt him at all," Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
“It’ll give him a chance to show that he can perform consistently.
“If he has another good season then Manchester United will probably pay the money for him next year, as he’s still young enough.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY) READ MORE Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer make Anthony Martial decision “If he doesn’t have another good season, would he have had been good enough for Manchester United anyway?
"So, having another year to play and grow in Germany, with less pressure, is not a bad thing.
“Being upset that he didn’t go to Manchester United and wallowing in a bad attitude would not be the right thing for him to do now.
“He should knuckle down and prove to the world that he is worth the €120 million (£108m).”
Related articles Ed Woodward warned to not miss out on Jadon Sancho 'bargain' Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he faces keeper decision United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made clear to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that he wanted Sancho in this transfer window and Barnes feels they can have no complaints if they fail to sign him.
“Jadon Sancho has to play for the team whose paying him," he added.
“If Manchester United wanted him then they should have paid the money; if they don’t pay the money, they can’t get him.
“So, neither Manchester United nor Jadon Sancho can complain as Manchester United didn’t pay the fee Borussia Dortmund asked for.”
