Chelsea remain committed to signing Jadon Sancho on a permanent transfer from Manchester United this summer, despite reports suggesting they could activate a £5 million clause to cancel the deal.

The 24-year-old winger joined Chelsea on loan in August, with initial reports indicating an obligation to buy for up to £25 million. However, after a bright start at Stamford Bridge, his form has dipped, leading to speculation about his long-term future. Despite this, the transfer is still expected to proceed as originally agreed.

Sancho’s Chelsea debut showed promise, as he provided the assist for Christopher Nkunku’s winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in September. His performances initially hinted at a resurgence following his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he played a crucial role in their journey to the Champions League final.

However, with only two goals in all competitions and none since December, the initial excitement surrounding his arrival has faded. Chelsea’s standing in the Premier League has also fluctuated since they sat second in the table on December 22, further complicating Sancho’s situation.

The Blues have been linked with a potential move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, as they look to strengthen their attacking options in the summer. Additionally, uncertainty continues to surround Mykhailo Mudryk, who awaits the outcome of an investigation into alleged doping.

Head coach Enzo Maresca has repeatedly expressed his satisfaction with Sancho’s contributions, stating that he has been pleasantly surprised by the winger’s development since his turbulent exit from Old Trafford.

Sancho’s departure from Manchester United followed a highly publicized falling-out with former manager Erik ten Hag. After their dispute, he was frozen out of the squad and did not feature again before being loaned to Dortmund.

Manchester United stand to receive a £5 million compensation fee if Chelsea decide against making Jadon Sancho’s loan move permanent this summer, according to talkSPORT.

Sancho, who struggled for form at Old Trafford, was given a fresh start at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea signed him on loan last summer. However, his struggles have persisted, raising doubts about his long-term future with the Blues.

Sancho’s Struggles Continue at Chelsea

Despite hopes that a change of scenery would reignite his career, Sancho’s form at Chelsea has been underwhelming. The 24-year-old winger has managed just two goals in 29 appearances across all competitions and has gone 18 matches without scoring.

His lack of impact has increased speculation that Chelsea might opt against triggering the obligation to buy clause in his loan deal, instead paying Manchester United the pre-agreed exit fee to send him back to Old Trafford.

Chelsea’s Summer Plans & Sancho’s Future

While Sancho’s performances have been inconsistent, reports suggest Chelsea still maintain a good relationship with the player. Their decision to target a new winger in the summer appears to be driven more by uncertainty over Mykhailo Mudryk’s availability rather than outright dissatisfaction with Sancho.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Sancho at Manchester City, expressed support for the winger’s efforts, particularly praising his form earlier this year.

“I knew Jadon already from his previous clubs, and I had expectations of him,” Maresca said. “In terms of consistency, he’s doing well. Apart from a short spell in November when he was unwell, he’s been performing at a good level. Now, he just needs to keep going.”

Jim Ratcliffe’s Verdict on Sancho & Man United’s Spending

Meanwhile, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his stance on Sancho’s situation clear. During a recent discussion on the club’s financial situation, he name-dropped Sancho among five costly signings that have weighed heavily on United’s books.

Ratcliffe cited Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, Casemiro, Sancho, and Antony as players whose transfer fees will only be fully paid off this summer, despite being signed before his arrival.

“For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea while we cover half his wages, we’re still set to pay £17 million to buy him this summer,” Ratcliffe revealed.

When asked whether these signings were worth the investment, Ratcliffe admitted:

“Some are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid. Reshaping the squad into one we are fully responsible for will take time. We’re in a period of transition, moving from past mistakes to building for the future.”

Sancho’s Career: From Dortmund Stardom to Old Trafford Struggles

Sancho’s initial move to Manchester United in 2021 came with high expectations, as the club shelled out £73 million to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. The winger had been one of Europe’s most exciting prospects during his time in the Bundesliga, where he thrived after leaving Manchester City as a teenager.

However, his spell at Old Trafford proved disappointing, managing just 12 goals in 83 appearances. After falling out of favor under Erik ten Hag, he was sent on loan to Chelsea, but his revival has yet to materialize.

What’s Next for Sancho?

With his future at Chelsea uncertain and Manchester United seemingly eager to move on, Sancho could find himself back at Old Trafford this summer, unless another club steps in to secure his services.

For now, Chelsea’s final decision on Sancho’s permanent transfer remains up in the air, but should they choose to send him back, United will at least receive a £5 million financial boost.

Manchester United secured their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals in emphatic fashion, thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils dominated Real Sociedad with a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford on Thursday, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win.

The match saw a flurry of penalties, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting an early spot-kick to give Sociedad the lead. However, Fernandes responded swiftly, netting two penalties of his own—one in the first half and another just five minutes into the second period—to swing the momentum back in United’s favor.

The Portuguese maestro wasn’t done yet. He capped off his stellar performance by slotting home his 15th goal of the season, effectively booking United’s place in the last eight, where they will face Lyon. Diogo Dalot added the finishing touch with a late goal, wrapping up an outstanding night for manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim, reflecting on Fernandes’ impact, praised the playmaker’s leadership and influence. “When we need him, he always delivers. He is the perfect captain, and we must support him in winning titles because he truly deserves it,” said the United boss.

With United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and already eliminated from domestic cup competitions, the Europa League represents their last chance to salvage an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Real Sociedad, also banking on European success to redeem their underwhelming La Liga season, found themselves at the center of controversy. Manager Imanol Alguacil expressed frustration over the officiating, particularly as French referee Benoit Bastien awarded United three penalties, one of which was later overturned. Additionally, Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu was sent off early in the second half, further compounding their woes.

Sociedad initially made a strong start, with Oyarzabal converting from the spot after Matthijs de Ligt fouled him while attempting to reach Aritz Elustondo’s cross in the 10th minute. The Spanish forward had also scored from the penalty spot in the first leg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Despite Sociedad’s early lead, United responded quickly. Rasmus Hojlund, enduring a prolonged goal drought of 21 games, won a penalty after being fouled while attempting to meet Fernandes’ cross. The United captain calmly slotted home the equalizer.

The Red Devils should have gone into halftime with the advantage, but Hojlund squandered a golden opportunity by misfiring a teasing delivery from Joshua Zirkzee.

Just five minutes into the second half, United were handed another chance when Patrick Dorgu was fouled by Elustondo inside the box. Fernandes made no mistake, burying his second penalty of the night.

Sociedad’s uphill battle became even steeper when Aramburu saw red for bringing down the relentless Dorgu in the 61st minute. The Danish full-back continued to be a menace, winning a third penalty for United. However, in a rare moment of sportsmanship, Dorgu informed the referee that there had been no foul, prompting the decision to be overturned.

While the night was filled with positives for United, their misfiring strikers continued to struggle. Zirkzee failed to beat Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro twice, missing a close-range header with the goal at his mercy.

Fernandes, in contrast, demonstrated clinical finishing, driving Alejandro Garnacho’s pass into the bottom corner in the 87th minute. Hojlund finally contributed to the scoresheet—not with a goal, but with an assist—as his cross was smashed into the net by Dalot, putting the final gloss on a memorable victory.

United now set their sights on Lyon, hoping to continue their European adventure and salvage their season with silverware.