Chelsea will have to pay Manchester United £5m if they decide against signing Jadon Sancho permanently this summer, despite an initial obligation to buy the winger for between £20m and £25m—provided they finish at least 14th in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea on loan from United last August after a fallout with then-United manager Erik ten Hag. While he initially impressed at Stamford Bridge, his form has dipped significantly. Since scoring his last goal on December 8 against Tottenham, he has managed just one assist in 18 appearances.
Sancho’s struggles have raised concerns at Chelsea, where his stats rank among the weakest of the club’s senior attacking players. His inability to create chances is particularly worrying, with none of his last 19 Premier League crosses reaching a teammate.
With Chelsea looking to reinforce their attack by signing a new winger and striker this summer, Sancho’s long-term future at the club remains uncertain. Although club officials have publicly dismissed the idea of backing out of the deal, the option to pay £5m and return him to Old Trafford could become an attractive alternative.
Sancho’s contract with Manchester United runs until 2026, with an option for an additional year. Meanwhile, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently mentioned the winger in an interview, revealing that United are still paying half his wages and must settle outstanding payments from his £73m transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
As Chelsea approach a crucial summer transfer window, the decision on Sancho will be one of many that could shape their squad for next season.
