Chelsea must purchase Jadon Sancho permanently from Manchester United if they finish above 14th in the Premier League. However, rumors suggest they might pay a fee to return him, due to his mixed performances, despite a strong relationship with the player.

On August 31, 2024, Chelsea secured Sancho on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy for a fee ranging from £20-25 million, contingent on the Blues finishing 14th or higher in the Premier League table—a target they are nearly guaranteed to achieve, given their current position in the race for a top-four finish. However, as of April 6, 2025, rumors suggest that Chelsea may choose to pay a £5 million fee to return the 25-year-old to Manchester United, due to his inconsistent performances, despite what is said to be a strong relationship with both the club and manager Enzo Maresca.

Sancho’s time since his £73 million move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 has been tumultuous. After struggling to find form at Old Trafford and falling out with then-manager Erik ten Hag, he was loaned back to Dortmund in January 2024, where he regained some of his best form, particularly in the Champions League. His subsequent loan to Chelsea was seen as a fresh start, especially at a club he supported during his childhood. Initially, Sancho showed promise, making an immediate impact with an assist on his debut against Bournemouth on September 14, 2024, earning man-of-the-match honors. He followed up with four assists in his first three Premier League games and scored his first Chelsea goal against Southampton on December 4, before adding another against Tottenham on December 8. However, his form has since drastically dropped—Sancho has failed to score in his last 19 appearances, with just one assist in that time, bringing his season tally to two goals and seven assists from 30 appearances, mostly as a substitute.

This inconsistent performance has raised questions about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, speaking on April 3, 2025, pointed out Sancho’s disappointing stats—two goals and four assists in 17 Premier League starts—arguing that his £200,000-per-week wages make him a risky investment for Chelsea. Foster suggested that Chelsea might prefer to pay the £5 million fee to send him back to United rather than committing to the full transfer fee. This view reflects wider concerns about Sancho’s struggle to adapt to the Premier League’s demands, a challenge he has faced during his time at both United and Chelsea. Former Chelsea player Shaun Wright-Phillips, however, offered a more positive outlook on April 3, advising the club to sign Sancho permanently, proposing that he could excel as a No. 10 rather than a traditional winger, unlocking his potential to control games from central positions.

Chelsea’s indecision isn’t solely about his performances. The club’s transfer strategy under Todd Boehly has faced criticism, with some viewing the Sancho loan as an impulsive decision. Reports from late March 2025 indicated that Chelsea could sign him only to immediately sell him, avoiding the penalty fee while potentially recouping funds. However, Sky Sports reported on March 24 that Chelsea still planned to fulfill the obligation to buy, citing a source close to the club. This contradicts earlier reports that Sancho had requested a transfer to return to Dortmund, a claim later dismissed by Sky Germany on March 26, which stated that Dortmund were unlikely to pursue him due to financial limitations and a lack of need for a winger.

Sancho has no future at Manchester United. Manager Ruben Amorim, who inherited a team in disarray, has overseen a broader clear-out, with up to 10 players possibly leaving this summer, including Marcus Rashford and Antony, who are also on loan. United’s new leadership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been outspoken about previous transfer errors, with Sancho often highlighted as a symbol of their overspending. A return to Old Trafford would likely result in another move for him, possibly to a European club like Dortmund, where he has historically excelled. For Chelsea, the decision is a significant one—whether to commit to a player who has shown glimpses of brilliance but lacks consistency, or cut their losses and redirect funds toward a new striker, a position that Maresca has prioritized. As the season comes to an end, Sancho’s future remains a key storyline in a summer of change for both clubs.