Why Chelsea have ‘changed their minds’ about not sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United

According to a new report, Chelsea are beginning to change their minds about sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United despite their obligation to buy the winger this summer.

In the final days of the 2024 summer transfer window, Jadon Sancho left Manchester United to join Chelsea on loan for the 2024/25 season.

It was later revealed that the two clubs had agreed on a deal requiring Chelsea to pay £25 million for the winger in the summer.

Sancho had been exiled by Erik ten Hag the previous season and sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund. Although he was reintegrated into the Old Trafford squad in July 2024, his long-term future at the club remained uncertain.

Since his move to Stamford Bridge, Sancho has made 27 appearances for Chelsea, scoring twice and registering six assists.

Why Sancho may still return to United

Early week, reports broke that Chelsea had a clause that could see Sancho return to United this summer if the London-based club paid a fee to void the obligation to buy him for £25 million at the end of the season.

These were quickly quashed, with Fabrizio Romano stating that despite the clause existing, the Blues have no intention of initiating it and are content with Sancho.

However, in a new twist, Chelsea are said to be changing their minds on the staunch position that the clause will not be triggered.

According to iNews, Enzo Maresca’s club are now considering paying a “significant fee” to get out of their obligation to buy this summer.

The report states that, with Chelsea having agreed a deal to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting, they are less keen on keeping Sancho permenantly.

Further, it’s claimed that Sancho’s erratic form for the Blues has caused Chelsea to “think twice” about keeping him at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer, leading to the conclusion that they may well change their minds and choose to pay United their termination fee.

How much would Chelsea have to pay United?

While an exact figure has not been named in the press, reports state that Chelsea would have to pay United back for the wages Rúben Amorim’s club have contributed plus extra cash on top.

Earlier this month, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed that his club were paying half of Sancho’s estimated £300,000-a-week contract.

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Should Ratcliffe’s claim be true, United are therefore committing £150,000-a-week across between the date Sancho joined Chelsea (1 September 2024) until his loan deal expires (30 June 2025), which is 41 weeks.

This puts the total cost at £6.15 million, meaning Chelsea would have to pay back this amount plus the unconfirmed extra fee inserted in the contract.

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