Although Chelsea have an obligation to buy as a part of Sancho’s loan deal, they could still make a U-turn on their decision
There could be yet another twist in the tale for Jadon Sancho at Manchester United when his loan deal at Chelsea comes to an end in the summer.
Signed in July 2021 for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund, the then 21-year-old was highly sought after by elite clubs, and the high-profile transfer appeared to be the next big step in his career.
Unfortunately, though, his stint at Old Trafford was disappointing, marred by poor form, injury, and a very public falling out with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Having been excluded from United’s squad in September 2023, he secured a loan move back to his old club in the January transfer window, which saw him rediscover his form.
Following a brief return to United before the 2024 Community Shield, he signed for Chelsea on loan for the 2024-25 season.
Obligation to buy clause met
Included in Sancho’s loan was a £25 million obligation to buy the winger permanently under certain conditions. With Chelsea’s stoppage time win against Fulham, it guarantees that the Blues will finish no lower than 15th, which automatically activates the obligation clause.
However, Chelsea still have the option to pay a £5 million penalty clause to back out of a potential deal, and they have plenty of time to decide on a final decision.
While Sancho has shown some signs of form in the early stages of the season, he has only scored once and assisted once since the turn of the new year in the Premier League. With Chelsea’s wealth of attacking options and the 25-year-old’s stop-start form and lack of creativity, it’s rumoured that Chelsea will consider paying the £5 million termination fee.
In that case, Sancho would return to Old Trafford in the summer, the place where he was removed from the squad, and endured a turbulent time.
What Maresca said about Sancho’s United return
Amid the potential for Sancho to return to United this summer, following Chelsea’s possible termination of the obligation clause, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was questioned about Sancho’s potential return to United earlier this month.
The Italian was keen to state that although he “loves” Sancho among all his other current players, he did not make a definitive statement of intent to keep the winger, instead insinuating that a decision will be made on his future in the summer.
“I love all the players who are part of this squad,” the 45-year-old told the press when asked about Sancho.
“Full focus now is to finish well and not think about next season. What happens in the summer, we will see. I am happy with all the players we have.”
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