Jadon Sancho’s potential return to Manchester United in the summer has drawn mixed reactions from the squad. The England international, who was loaned out to Chelsea for the 2024-25 season, has struggled to find his best form at the London club.
Some players at United reportedly have reservations about whether the 25-year-old should wear the Red Devils jersey again. While his former teammates have no issues with him on a personal level, there are concerns about his ability to meet the demands of playing for Manchester United. Sancho was previously exiled by former manager Erik ten Hag, which further complicates his chances of reintegrating into the squad.
Sancho joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for a hefty sum of £72.9 million but has failed to live up to expectations. His contract at Old Trafford runs until 2026, but his future remains uncertain.
A move to Chelsea was intended to revive his career, yet it has not gone as planned. Sancho has started 19 games for Chelsea this season but has only completed the full 90 minutes on eight occasions. He has scored just two goals for the club during the current campaign. His last appearance for the England national team was in September 2021, highlighting his struggles at the highest level.
There is a financial aspect to consider regarding his potential return. Chelsea will be required to pay Manchester United £5 million in compensation if they choose not to make Sancho’s loan move permanent. The terms of his loan agreement state that Chelsea are obligated to buy him if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League. The agreed transfer fee ranges between £22-25 million, depending on Chelsea’s final position in the league table.
At the moment, Chelsea sit in fourth place with 49 points from 29 matches, meaning they are well above the threshold that would trigger the purchase clause in Sancho’s deal. However, the ultimate decision regarding his future rests with the Chelsea hierarchy. If they decide against signing him permanently, Manchester United will have to determine whether to reintegrate him into their squad or explore other options for his departure.
Sancho’s struggles at both Manchester United and Chelsea have led to uncertainty about his career trajectory. While he has undeniable talent, his inability to consistently perform at the highest level remains a concern. If he does return to Old Trafford, he will have to prove that he can meet the expectations and demands of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The coming months will be crucial in deciding where his future lies.
