Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United in the summer in a deal which included an obligation to buy the winger if certain thresholds were met, but it has emerged that the Blues could send him back to Old Trafford if they pay a £5m penalty
Chelsea are still expected to sign Jadon Sancho permanently in the summer, despite the revelation that they could back out of the deal with a £5m penalty payment to Manchester United.
Sancho, who joined Chelsea on loan from United last summer, has an obligation to be signed permanently for £25m if certain performance-related thresholds are met. However, it has emerged that the Blues could walk away from the deal by paying an exit fee to their Premier League rivals.
Despite the clause, Chelsea remain likely to go ahead with the transfer as they prepare for squad adjustments in the summer. The club is reportedly in the market for a new winger, partly due to the uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk’s future. The Ukrainian international was provisionally suspended by the FA in December after testing positive for a banned substance, raising doubts over his long-term role at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho initially made a strong impact following his arrival in January, registering three assists in his first three Premier League appearances. However, his form has dipped in recent weeks, with the 24-year-old failing to record a goal involvement since January 4 and managing just one shot on target since Boxing Day.
Despite his struggles, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has previously praised Sancho’s performances, stating in January:
“For me, he’s doing very well. I am quite surprised with Jadon, because I knew Jadon already [from seeing him at his previous clubs] and I know what I expected from him, but in terms of being consistent, he’s doing very well.”
Sancho’s move to Chelsea came after a public fallout with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, which saw him frozen out of the squad. The England international, who was signed by United from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in 2021, struggled for consistency at Old Trafford before securing a fresh start in London.
With Chelsea evaluating their attacking options ahead of next season, the final decision on Sancho’s future is expected in the coming months.
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