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.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho was once hailed as a masterstroke — a high-profile loan that could rekindle the career of a troubled but immensely talented winger. On August 31, 2024, the London club secured Sancho on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United, with a purchase obligation inserted, dependent on a specific clause: if Chelsea finished 14th or higher in the Premier League, they would be compelled to buy him outright for £20–25 million.

Fast forward to April 6, 2025 — Chelsea are cruising in the top-four race and that clause is all but triggered. But new reports suggest a dramatic twist. Despite Sancho’s early flashes of brilliance in a Chelsea shirt, his performances have gradually declined, casting serious doubts on whether the club should proceed with the permanent move. According to various sources, Chelsea may instead choose to pay a £5 million penalty to send the England international back to Manchester United and avoid the full transfer.

The 25-year-old’s footballing journey has been a rollercoaster. Following his £73 million move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho struggled under multiple managers, never quite finding the consistency or form that made him one of Europe’s hottest young properties in Germany. A public fallout with Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 season led to a mid-season loan back to Dortmund — a short stint that momentarily rekindled his spark, especially in the Champions League.

The move to Chelsea was initially seen as a fairytale comeback — Sancho was a childhood fan of the Blues. His first few appearances were promising. He provided an assist on his debut against Bournemouth in September 2024 and was named man of the match. He followed that with four assists in just three league games. In December, he scored his first Chelsea goal against Southampton and another shortly after versus Tottenham.

However, the honeymoon period didn’t last. Sancho’s form fell off dramatically. As of April 2025, he has failed to score in 19 straight matches and has only managed one assist during that stretch. His overall numbers for the season now stand at two goals and seven assists in 30 matches — with the majority of his recent appearances coming off the bench.

Ben Foster, a former Manchester United goalkeeper turned pundit, weighed in recently, noting that Sancho’s output in 17 Premier League starts — just two goals and four assists — is far from acceptable for a player earning £200,000 per week. Foster believes Chelsea would be wiser to trigger the return fee clause and look elsewhere for reinforcements rather than gamble on a player whose confidence has clearly waned.

Adding to the conversation, Shaun Wright-Phillips, a former Chelsea winger, offered a contrasting perspective. Speaking earlier this week, he suggested Chelsea should consider permanently signing Sancho but shifting him into a central role — as a No. 10 — to get the best out of his close control, dribbling, and creativity. In Wright-Phillips’ view, Sancho’s struggles stem from being misused as a wide winger when his skill set could be more effective in a freer, central role.

Beyond the performances on the pitch, Chelsea’s overall transfer strategy under Todd Boehly has come under intense scrutiny. The club has made several impulsive deals since the American’s arrival, and the Sancho loan is seen by some analysts as yet another gamble that lacked a long-term vision. Some reports suggest Chelsea could buy him just to sell him again, thus avoiding the penalty fee while trying to recoup some of their investment.

Conflicting reports have emerged about Sancho’s desires as well. Earlier rumors claimed the winger wanted a return to Dortmund, where he has always enjoyed success. However, Sky Germany swiftly dismissed these rumors, noting that Dortmund are not interested in re-signing him due to financial constraints and the current depth of their squad on the wings.

From Manchester United’s side, Sancho’s time appears to be over. Under the leadership of new manager Ruben Amorim and overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new sporting structure, the Red Devils are preparing for a massive squad overhaul. Alongside Sancho, other high-profile names like Marcus Rashford and Antony are reportedly on the chopping block, with United looking to cut ties with past transfer mistakes and usher in a new era.

Amorim has made it clear that players without a future at Old Trafford will be moved on. That puts Sancho in a precarious position — Chelsea may not want to keep him, Dortmund doesn’t want him back, and United has no plans for reintegration. European clubs may monitor his situation, but few are expected to match his wages or take a risk on a player whose confidence has hit rock bottom.

The situation is delicate. Sancho remains a highly skilled player capable of brilliance on his day, but the consistency and mentality needed to succeed at the highest level have been missing for too long. Chelsea must now decide whether to take a leap of faith or cut their losses — all while needing reinforcements elsewhere, particularly a new striker, which Enzo Maresca has reportedly prioritized.

Maresca himself is believed to have a good relationship with Sancho, but the Italian manager is also under pressure to deliver results quickly. With Chelsea chasing Champions League qualification and a potential trophy in the FA Cup, every transfer decision this summer will be scrutinized. Committing millions to an out-of-form winger may not sit well with the Chelsea board or fans.

Ultimately, the Sancho saga is a reflection of the broader turmoil at both Chelsea and Manchester United — two clubs trying to rediscover their identity and rebuild amidst chaotic recent years. Whether Sancho remains at Stamford Bridge or departs once again, his story will remain one of unfulfilled potential unless he can find the right environment to thrive.

In the coming weeks, Chelsea’s internal discussions will intensify. The obligation to buy clause will soon become binding, and unless they take quick action, the Blues may find themselves committed to a player they’re unsure about. That £5 million fee may now seem like a smart exit strategy.

But football is never simple. Should Sancho suddenly hit form in the final stretch of the season — with big games looming — perceptions could change instantly. A match-winning performance or two could restore confidence and tilt the conversation in his favor.

For now, Chelsea hold the cards. The decision they make could impact not just Sancho’s future, but the club’s broader plans heading into a crucial summer window.