Why Jadon Sancho’s Permanent Move to Chelsea Is No Longer Certain

When Jadon Sancho’s loan move to Chelsea from Manchester United was announced on August 31, it looked like a deal that would benefit everyone involved. Manchester United made it clear that the loan included an ‘obligation’ for Chelsea to sign Sancho permanently if they finished at least 14th in the Premier League. Chelsea, in turn, was given the chance to sign a talented player without a loan fee and with only half of Sancho’s wages covered, according to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who shared this in an interview with BBC Sport on March 10. With United keen to part ways with the winger, the deal seemed to work well for both sides.

But now, as the season draws to a close, Sancho’s future at Chelsea is far less certain than it seemed back in August. So, what’s changed? Why is the idea of a permanent move for Sancho no longer as straightforward as it once was?

Early Signs of Promise at Chelsea

At first, things looked promising for Sancho at Chelsea. In the early weeks after his move, he showed glimpses of the form that made him one of the brightest young talents in European football. On his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on September 14, he helped set up a late winner and was involved in Chelsea’s attacking play. He followed that up with assists in his next two matches, and by December, it seemed like he was really starting to find his feet, even scoring in back-to-back victories over Southampton and Tottenham.

At that point, it seemed Sancho was settling in well at Chelsea, with talk of him becoming an important player in Enzo Maresca’s revamped squad, which was being prepared to challenge on multiple fronts. His early performances were enough to earn him a regular spot in the team, and Chelsea appeared to be benefiting from his creativity and technical ability.

The Decline in Sancho Form

Chelsea make final decision on Jadon Sancho transfer as Man Utd clause emerges

However, things began to unravel as the months passed. After a strong start, Sancho’s form started to dip. From December onwards, he struggled to make a real impact. Despite the early promise, he has now gone 18 games without scoring, with just one assist during that stretch. In fact, he’s taken only 13 shots in that time, with just two hitting the target. His lack of output has raised concerns at Chelsea, especially when you consider that the team’s form has also dropped alongside his struggles.

After Chelsea’s win over Leicester on March 9, Sancho was open about his frustrations. “I know I can do better, especially in front of goal,” he said. “It’s kind of annoying not to score, but I know it will come.” Despite his positive attitude, it’s clear that his inconsistency is starting to impact the club’s decision-making.

Growing Doubts About His Future at Chelsea

So, why has Chelsea’s initial enthusiasm for making the move permanent started to fade? The biggest reason is Chelsea’s overall struggles this season. Once thought of as title contenders, they now find themselves in a battle for a Champions League spot. Since January, Chelsea has picked up just 18 points from 14 league games, and their exit from the FA Cup has only added to the sense of disappointment.

In such circumstances, it’s only natural that Chelsea would start to reconsider their options and think about whether Sancho is really the right fit for their long-term plans. While the club was once eager to keep the winger, the idea of paying the £5 million compensation fee to make his move permanent now seems more of a financial burden than they initially expected. With their focus shifting to securing a top-four finish and improving their squad, the decision on whether to activate that permanent transfer clause has become more complicated.

Sancho’s Role in Chelsea’s Attack

Another factor is Sancho’s role in the team. With Chelsea struggling for goals and creativity, Maresca’s squad is being reassessed for a potential summer rebuild. Chelsea has been linked with several younger, more dynamic wingers who could add a fresh edge to their attack. Names like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens have been mentioned as potential targets—players seen as offering a more direct threat compared to Sancho.

The arrival of new players would likely limit Sancho’s opportunities further, especially considering Chelsea’s struggles in attack since the injury to striker Nicolas Jackson. Sancho has only played the full 90 minutes once in the eight matches since Jackson’s injury, leading to questions about whether Chelsea can afford to keep Sancho, given that his role in the squad is far from certain.

The Possibility of Returning to Manchester United

If Chelsea decides against making Sancho’s move permanent, he will have to return to Manchester United. But that could be a tricky situation for both the player and the club. When Sancho was last at Old Trafford, his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag soured after Ten Hag publicly criticized his training performances in September 2023. Sancho refused to apologize, and despite efforts to resolve things, he was left out of the squad for key games.

United now faces a complicated dilemma with Sancho. The club still owes Borussia Dortmund a significant amount for his original transfer, and with his contract expiring at the end of next season, they are at a crossroads. United will either need to find a buyer for Sancho in the summer or risk losing him for free in 2026.

Even if Sancho does return to Manchester United, it’s uncertain how he would fit into Ten Hag’s plans or whether a fresh start under new management could help him rediscover his form. United’s frustrations with Sancho are well-known, and it’s hard to see a straightforward path back into the team.

Conclusion: Sancho’s Uncertain Future

When Jadon Sancho moved to Chelsea, it looked like the perfect chance for him to rejuvenate his career after a difficult time at Manchester United. But as the season has progressed, his inconsistency and Chelsea’s struggles have cast doubt on whether a permanent move is the right decision for all parties involved. While Chelsea may still want to keep Sancho, the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future and the financial implications of the deal have made the situation much more complicated.

As things stand, Sancho’s future is very much up in the air. Whether Chelsea triggers the permanent transfer clause or sends him back to United, Sancho’s next steps remain uncertain. This is a situation that will be closely watched as the summer transfer window approaches, with both Sancho and his clubs facing tough decisions ahead.