Chelsea is reportedly closing in on a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, despite the existence of a £5 million get-out clause in his current loan contract. The Blues have been monitoring the 24-year-old closely since his fallout with United boss Erik ten Hag and believe he could be a long-term asset at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea’s squad undergoing a significant rebuild under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Sancho is seen as an ideal addition to bolster their attacking options. However, the negotiations have been complicated by the financial aspects of the deal, including the loan exit clause and United’s valuation of the player.
Jadon Sancho’s Turbulent Time at Manchester United
Sancho arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 with high expectations after a stellar stint at Borussia Dortmund. The Red Devils splashed £73 million to bring the England international back to the Premier League, but his time at the club has been anything but smooth.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Sancho struggled to cement his place in United’s starting XI. A combination of injuries, inconsistent form, and a reported lack of discipline saw him fall out of favor with Erik ten Hag. The situation reached a breaking point earlier this season when Sancho publicly disputed Ten Hag’s claims about his training performances. The fallout led to his exile from the first team and, eventually, his loan return to Borussia Dortmund in January 2024.
His loan move back to Dortmund was widely seen as an opportunity for Sancho to rediscover his confidence and playing rhythm, but with Chelsea now pushing for a permanent move, his future looks set to take another turn.
Chelsea’s Interest in Sancho Why Pochettino Wants Him
Despite his struggles at United, Chelsea remains keen on securing Sancho’s services permanently. There are several key reasons why the Blues believe he can be a success at Stamford Bridge:
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A Perfect Fit for Chelsea’s Attack
Sancho’s skill set aligns with Pochettino’s tactical philosophy. The Argentine manager favors quick, technically gifted wingers who can operate in tight spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities. Sancho’s dribbling ability, close control, and creativity make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s fluid attacking system.
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English Talent with Premier League Experience
At just 24 years old, Sancho still has plenty of time to reach his full potential. He has already accumulated valuable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, making him a more refined option compared to younger, unproven prospects.
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A Cheaper Alternative to Other Targets
Chelsea has been linked with several high-profile wingers, including Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão. However, both players command hefty price tags, making Sancho a more cost-effective alternative. Given Manchester United’s eagerness to offload him, Chelsea could negotiate a deal well below the £73 million United paid for him in 2021.
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Pochettino’s Reputation for Reviving Careers
Under Pochettino, players such as Dele Alli, Son Heung-min, and Christian Eriksen flourished at Tottenham. Chelsea believes the Argentine coach can help Sancho rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents at Dortmund.
The £5m Loan Exit Clause A Complication for Chelsea
Sancho’s loan deal with Borussia Dortmund reportedly includes a £5 million get-out clause that allows the winger to leave United permanently at a reduced price. This clause was inserted to facilitate an easy transfer if Dortmund decided to make the move permanent.
However, Chelsea’s emergence as a strong contender to sign Sancho could complicate matters. Dortmund still has a vested interest in retaining the player, and the German club may attempt to trigger the clause before Chelsea can strike a deal with United.
From Manchester United’s perspective, they would prefer to sell Sancho for a higher fee rather than lose him for just £5 million. Chelsea could exploit this situation by negotiating directly with United for a more realistic transfer price, potentially undercutting Dortmund’s hopes of keeping him.
What This Move Means for Chelsea’s Squad
If Chelsea successfully secures Sancho’s signature, it will have a significant impact on their squad dynamics.
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Competition for Wide Positions
Chelsea already boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Cole Palmer. Adding Sancho to the mix would create healthy competition for places and provide Pochettino with more tactical flexibility.
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Potential Outgoings
Sancho’s arrival could push some players closer to the exit door. Sterling has been linked with a move away, and if Sancho signs, Chelsea may consider offloading either him or one of their younger wingers to balance the squad.
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Tactical Adjustments
Sancho’s ability to play on both wings and in a central attacking role gives Pochettino additional options. He could be deployed as a right-winger in place of Madueke, or as a left-sided alternative to Mudryk. Alternatively, he could be used as a creative playmaker behind the striker.
Manchester United’s Perspective Why They Are Ready to Sell
From Manchester United’s standpoint, selling Sancho makes financial and tactical sense.
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Clearing a Dressing Room Rift
Sancho’s relationship with Ten Hag appears beyond repair, and keeping him would only cause further disruptions in the squad. United is keen to offload players who do not fit into Ten Hag’s plans and use the funds to reinvest in areas of need.
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Financial Fair Play (FFP) Considerations
United is under pressure to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Selling Sancho would help them balance the books and potentially fund new signings in key areas such as midfield and defense.
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No Path Back into the Starting XI
Even if Sancho were to return from his loan spell, he would struggle to break into United’s first team. With Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Amad Diallo all vying for minutes on the wings, Sancho’s opportunities at Old Trafford would be limited.
Chelsea’s interest in Sancho is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks as they negotiate terms with both United and the player. The key questions moving forward include:
- Will Dortmund trigger the £5 million clause before Chelsea can complete a deal?
- How much will Chelsea be willing to pay to secure Sancho permanently?
- Will Manchester United hold out for a higher offer, or will they accept a cut-price deal to offload the winger?
If Chelsea manages to pull off the deal, it could prove to be one of the smartest transfer moves of the summer. Sancho still has immense potential, and under Pochettino’s guidance, he could finally flourish in the Premier League.
For now, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford, and Dortmund as the transfer saga unfolds.
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