Jadon Sancho could return to Old Trafford (Photo: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Chelsea reportedly will have to pay Manchester United £5 million if they choose not to move Jadon Sancho’s loan permanently this summer.
Sancho joined Chelsea on a season-long loan last year, obliged to buy it for up to £25 million. However, the deal also includes the option of retreating the Blues by paying a set fee to Man United instead, reports Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The 24-year-old got off to a promising start at Stamford Bridge, supporting his first three Premier League appearances. However, since then, his form has fallen, managing two goals and one assist in the next 20 league matches. Despite this contradiction, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has supported the winger’s performance.
“I received an offer from Arsenal, but came out of a strange meeting with Arsen Wenger.”
“For me, he’s done very well,” Maresca said. “I’m very surprised by Jadon because I already knew Jadon (from meeting him at his previous club), so I know what I was expecting from him, but in terms of consistency, he’s been doing very well.
“Except for a short part of the season (early November) where he had some issues.
“I was hoping he would do well, but it’s not easy for all players to do well for a long time, he’s already been doing well for a long time. He’s doing well. Now he needs to continue like that.”
Jadon Sancho Wanted By Bundesliga Clubs – Includes Champions Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea may choose to sell Sancho rather than keep him at Stamford Bridge. GivemeSport today reported that Dortmund, who played the best football of his career, and current German champion Bayer Leverkusen, are interested in bringing him back to Germany.
In fact, Sancho’s journey to Chelsea could be a technical reversal. If Bruce decides to cancel both the loan and the permanent deal, Man United has the option to bring him back, but that comes with financial punishment. However, this scenario is considered unlikely, and Chelsea are more likely to respect the contract and look for buyers.
As things stand, despite 81 top flight appearances in the UK, there is no specific Premier League option for Sancho. Returning to Germany seems to be the most likely outcome if he thrived before the unlucky United spell, but Chelsea decides to win cash.