Jadon Sancho made a move to Chelsea on loan from Manchester United during the summer, with an agreement in place that would require the Blues to purchase the winger if specific conditions were met.
Despite this development, Chelsea is still anticipated to complete the permanent signing of Sancho in the upcoming summer transfer window, even though there is a clause allowing them to back out of the deal with Manchester United.
If Chelsea chooses to exit the £25m commitment attached to his season-long loan, they would owe Manchester United a £5m penalty fee.
Chelsea is also planning to seek out a new winger in the summer, but this intention is closely tied to the uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk’s future at the club.
Mudryk was provisionally suspended by the FA in December after a positive test for a banned substance, adding complexity to Chelsea’s plans.
Sancho made an impressive start to his Chelsea loan, registering three assists in his first three Premier League games.
However, his performances have since tailed off, with the 24-year-old failing to contribute to any goals since January 4 and managing just a single shot on target since Boxing Day.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was complimentary of Sancho’s early performances, saying in January: “For me, he’s performing very well.”
“I am quite surprised with Jadon, because I knew him already from his previous clubs, and I had certain expectations. But in terms of consistency, he’s been doing very well.”
Sancho, who joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for £73m, left Old Trafford after a falling out with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Analysis: Can Chelsea Resurrect Sancho’s Career?
Jadon Sancho’s bid to restart his career at Chelsea has not lived up to expectations, and the revelation of this exit clause underscores how far his reputation has declined.
Chelsea is likely to fulfill their part of the arrangement and pay the £25m agreed upon with Manchester United as part of the loan agreement this past summer.
Yet, the fact that such a conversation is even taking place about a player who was once acquired for £73m from Dortmund paints a clear picture of where Sancho finds himself now.
A promising loan spell at Dortmund last season, including a run to the Champions League final, had fueled hopes that Sancho could flourish outside the intense spotlight of Old Trafford. Early signs at Chelsea were encouraging, but his form has since deteriorated.
We are once again seeing the hesitant, cautious Sancho that was prevalent during his time at United. While Maresca has struggled to get consistent performances from any of his forwards, it is particularly evident with Sancho, who has never been known for consistent performances in the Premier League.
The undeniable truth remains: Sancho has shown his best form only during his time at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Now, Chelsea must hope he can recapture that magic in England.
If he manages to do so, the £25m fee could be seen as a bargain. However, as things stand, Manchester United is likely to be pleased when this deal is finalized.
