LONDON — Jadon Sancho’s time at Chelsea is over. The club has decided not to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent, opting instead to pay a £5 million break clause to send him back north.
The decision draws a line under a mixed campaign for the England winger, who scored five goals and set up eight more in 41 appearances for the Blues.
It was not enough.
Sancho, 25, arrived last summer with big expectations and a reported £25 million option to buy. But his form dipped as the season wore on, and doubts began to grow about his long-term role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had the right to back out — but only by paying a fee. They chose to do so, even if it meant handing United a hefty sum.
According to The Guardian, the final call was made last week, after several rounds of internal talks. Sources close to the club say his high wages — said to be between £250,000 and £300,000 a week — became a sticking point.
Chelsea tried to renegotiate. Sancho’s camp stood firm.
“It just didn’t fit the structure we’re building,” said a senior source at the club who asked not to be named. “We have a clear wage policy. We stuck to it.”
The player himself has kept quiet. But those around him say he was keen to stay, hoping to rebuild his career after a troubled time at Manchester United.
He had already fallen out of favor at Old Trafford, with then-manager Erik ten Hag publicly criticizing his attitude. That row led to his exit on loan last year.
Under Chelsea’s now-departed boss Mauricio Pochettino, Sancho found early support. He even scored in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. But his influence faded, and by April, he was mostly on the bench.
United now face the challenge of reintegrating — or selling — a player who has become something of a puzzle.
New United manager Rúben Amorim is not believed to see Sancho in his future plans. The club are expected to seek buyers this summer. A return to Borussia Dortmund, where Sancho once shone, is one possibility. West Ham have also shown interest, according to TalkSport.
“He’s still a talented player,” said former England striker Ian Wright on ITV Sport. “But he needs the right manager, the right system, and a bit of love. That’s missing at the moment.”
As things stand, Sancho will report back to Manchester in July. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
What’s clear is this: Chelsea are moving on, with £5 million spent to draw a line under a gamble that never quite paid off.
