Jadon Sancho remains without a club less than five years after Manchester United spent £73million signing him from Borussia Dortmund.

The 26-year-old officially left Old Trafford this summer following the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to a Manchester United career which eventually involved loan spells at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

He is now available on a free transfer.

This has not simplified matters as much as might have been expected.

Sancho remains without a club as the new season approaches, with Fiorentina becoming the latest side reported to have decided against signing him.

The situation has prompted former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor to suggest Sancho could even find himself retired by the age of 28 if his career continues in its current direction.

“It just hasn’t worked for Jadon Sancho,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT, admitting he was now worried about where the winger’s career was heading.

Retirement remains a prediction rather than something Sancho himself is considering publicly.

For now, he has been keeping fit by training with non-league Flixton FC while waiting for his next opportunity.

It represents a remarkable change in circumstances for a player whose move to Manchester United once required several transfer windows, countless updates and eventually a £73m fee.

At Borussia Dortmund, Sancho had established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers.

Manchester United spent a considerable amount of time trying to sign him.

Five years later, nobody needs to negotiate with Manchester United.

Nobody needs to pay £73m.

Nobody needs to pay a transfer fee at all.

Football is still considering its options.