Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has urged the club to make a U-turn on Jadon Sancho after winning the Europa Conference League final.
In the final days of the 2024 summer transfer window, Jadon Sancho left Manchester United to join Chelsea on a season-long loan.
The deal included an obligation for Chelsea to make the move permanent in the summer of 2025 for £25 million. However, it was later revealed that the London club can opt out of the deal by paying a £5 million release fee.
Sancho, who had been frozen out by Erik ten Hag and loaned to Borussia Dortmund, was reintegrated into the United squad in July 2024. Nevertheless, doubts about his long-term future persisted, ultimately leading to his departure.
Since joining Chelsea, Sancho has made 41 appearances, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists, which includes a lovely goal in the final of the Europa Conference League against Real Betis.
Despite his contributions, uncertainty remains over whether the Blues will sign him permanently next season or end up sending him back to Old Trafford.
Cole urges Chelsea to make Sancho U-turn
Fabrizio Romano revealed this week that it is a ‘concrete possibility’ that Sancho is sent back to his parent club, although Chelsea icon Joe Cole has urged his former club to change that decision.
Discussing Sancho’s future at Chelsea on TNT Sports before the Europa Conference League final, Cole said: “I think Jadon is a really great player and I think he’s done well.
“He’s been rotated in and out a bit but I want to see Jadon playing. You want a player like that in your squad. It will come down to a financial decision I imagine but I really like him.”
Then asked whether Sancho had done enough to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge after the final, Cole added: “Yes I do.
“This is a kid who went to Dortmund and was a superstar as a kid. It wasn’t working at Man United but he’s done well, he’s got his career back on track at Chelsea.
“I think there’s more to come from him as well.”
Sancho’s future will become clear soon
Sancho’s goal in the final will certainly not hurt his chances of signing permanently for Chelsea, which is the best outcome for all parties.
There is little chance of the winger reigniting his career at Old Trafford which means that his return will only mean that the club will have to take out more time to try and find another suitor for him.
That would also become difficult if Chelsea decide to send him back because clubs would be unlikely to be willing to offer the money United need – with the knowledge that they don’t even want to keep him.
Sancho’s future will likely be clear in the coming days now that Chelsea’s season is finished and they will start to make transfer decisions.
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