Manchester United have a poor record when it comes to selling players and no one represents that flaw more than Phil Jones.
Alongside David de Gea, Jones is the last remnant of Sir Alex Ferguson's 2012/13 title-winning squad.
But whereas De Gea is still a vital member of the team, Jones has seen his appearances limited by both injuries and arrivals of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof among others.
Jones made his first United appearance in 712 days against Wolves in the Premier League at the start of 2022 and, though he looked reasonably solid, his misplaced header eventually led to the visitors' winning goal.
To his credit, he didn't look like a man who had missed nearly two years through injury and, given the circumstances, he performed well. But it's time for the Reds to part ways with the English defender, who was once described as one of the most promising talents in the country.
When he signed a contract alongside Chris Smalling in the 2018/19 season, the fanbase considered this a move to protect the duo's value.
While Smalling moved to Roma, deadline day after deadline day passed and Jones remained. Now 30, he might finally have his shot at redemption.
Bordeaux are interested in signing Jones on loan for the rest of the season in a move that would see them pay no loan fee and a quarter of his wages, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Apparently, there is a sticking point over how much playing time Jones will get at the French club, meaning he rejected their initial advances.
But what the player must consider is that, at the moment, there are no other offers and the table. It is likely that if he doesn't move he will spend the next six months as United's fifth choice centre back.
Jones has nothing left to prove at Old Trafford.. He's won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. The big one of the Champions League is missing, but that's an outside shot at best this season.
Now he needs to make the move and shake off the ironic cult status he has gained as a stalwart who, regardless of manager, perseveres or he will likely be stuck with that tag for the rest of his career.
You have to hope there is a stirring final act in store for a player Ferguson once described as having the potential to "be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him."
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