Analysis of Potential January Transfers for Man Utd & Liverpool Amid Ex-Aston Villa Loanee's Comments on Sancho & Elliott Struggles
Former Aston Villa loanee Jermaine Jenas shares insights on the potential January transfer moves of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, who are facing challenges at their current loan club Villa. Explore the implications of these possible transfers for both Manchester United and Liverpool as the 2026 winter window approaches.

Former Aston Villa loanee Jermaine Jenas believes Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, after flopping in the West Midlands, could both be on the move in the January transfer window. Two players with England international ambitions may be forced back to their parent clubs Manchester United and Liverpool before fresh agreements are sought early in 2026.Having spent last season with Chelsea, helping them to Conference League glory and Champions League qualification, Sancho was returned to Old Trafford when no permanent transfer option was triggered at Stamford Bridge.He remains out of favour with the Red Devils under Ruben Amorim, having been dumped into the infamous ‘bomb squad’, and jumped at the chance to head for Villa Park. The 25-year-old winger has, however, been restricted to just 13 appearances under Unai Emery and is yet to start a Premier League fixture in the 2025-26 campaign.Quizzed on whether a season-long loan agreement at Villa could be torn up, Jenas told 10bet: “I think we could see Sancho potentially leaving Villa in January. Look, is Jadon a very talented player? I think we've clearly seen he’s an extremely talented footballer, but we've just not seen it consistently since he's come to the Premier League.“He's had numerous opportunities with various managers at Manchester United. Now going to Villa with another manager, and it hasn’t quite worked out.“I think he needs to go play abroad again, as I think the tempo and physicality of the game suits him better outside of England. I think players are going abroad and showing their true qualities. It doesn't always work, but I think for a player of Jadon Sancho's capabilities, I think it's a really good fit.”Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Another loan star that has failed to sparkle at Villa is England U21 international Elliott. He left Premier League champions Liverpool in a bid to find the regular game time being denied him at Anfield.The 22-year-old playmaker is completely out of favour at present, leading Jenas to say of his situation: “I think Harvey Elliott needs to go and play somewhere that he's going to play football. This summer, he obviously fully felt that Villa was the right place to go. I think if I was him I would have looked at it like that as well. But it's not worked out. For whatever reason, only he knows that.“Whether it's his fault in terms of his application or his ability, I don't know whether he just doesn't fit into the system. But the reality is now if he goes back to Liverpool, I don't see him playing there either. So there's no point in that. You need to make sure you are, from January onwards playing in the Premier League week in, week out.“I think Harvey Elliott's had too many years really as an in-out player. He's shown what he can do in the summer with England U21s and I think that it's time now that he went and took a risk. If you look at Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, he could have seen out a huge contract at Chelsea after moving from Leicester, but he showed real appetite to move to Everton, and he’s kicked on. I think that’s the blueprint for Harvey - just not to move to Everton!”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWith Sancho and Elliott often being overlooked, others have been impressing for Villa. They are now sat third in the Premier League table - three points adrift of leaders Arsenal - and are looking to bring a 30-year wait for major silverware to a close in 2026.Asked about their title credentials, Jenas said: “I don't think they're likely to win it at all, but I do believe that they are challengers on the basis that we've got one of the best managers in the league who knows how to win.“They've got a fantastic squad. I think they'll make some additions to that squad because I think a couple will leave. A couple of their loans that they've brought in have not worked at all. So I think they'll make some space for some new blood to come in January.“I think they're going to be there or thereabouts. I think when Villa get themselves into this position, as we saw a couple of years ago, they still made it into the Champions League. Villa park is a fortress and a lot of the big clubs don't like going there, so they'll be challenging. I just don't see them going all the way.”Villa, who are also making positive progress in the Europa League this season, will be back in action on Sunday when playing host to Manchester United before a testing run of fixtures sees them head to Chelsea on December 27 and Arsenal for their final outing of 2025.
Jermaine Jenas on Jadon Sancho's Situation
Former Aston Villa loanee Jermaine Jenas suggests that Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Villa may be cut short in the upcoming January transfer window. Jenas feels that Sancho, despite his talent, has struggled to find consistency in the Premier League. He emphasizes the potential benefits of Sancho seeking opportunities abroad to showcase his abilities effectively.
Assessment of Harvey Elliott's Circumstances
Jenas expresses concerns over Harvey Elliott's lack of game time and struggles to make an impact at Villa. He believes that Elliott needs to find a club where he can secure regular playing minutes to further develop his career. With a potential return to Liverpool not guaranteeing him a starting role, Jenas highlights the importance of Elliott taking a risk to progress in the Premier League.
Villa's Progress and Title Chances
While Sancho and Elliott face uncertainties, Aston Villa continues to impress in the Premier League under a strong managerial presence. Jenas acknowledges Villa's potential as title challengers given their squad strength and manager's expertise. He hints at possible squad changes in January to enhance Villa's competitiveness. Despite the challenges ahead, Villa's form in the league and Europa League signals a promising season.









