Chelsea had a clear-out in the summer as they tried to balance the books after more heavy spending.
The likes of Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix were all sold by the Club World Cup winners.
Despite having just joined AC Milan from Chelsea, Nkunku could already be on the move in January.
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Jadon Sancho also returned to Manchester United having only signed for the Blues on loan, but the winger had the option to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Aston Villa
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jadon Sancho must regret Chelsea exit
Sancho is currently at Aston Villa after joining Unai Emery’s side on another loan deal, but the 25-year-old has not made any sort of real impact.
Before returning to United and signing for Villa temporarily, Sancho had the chance to remain at Chelsea.
It was widely reported that Chelsea were willing to sign Sancho permanently had he agreed to their terms. However, he failed to and left the club as a result.
Following his return to United, Chelsea bought Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. But had Sancho remained, you suspect that the Blues would have only recruited one of the two.
No Chelsea winger has put in a better performance than Jamie Gittens this season!
Disagree? Who and what game?
Chelsea star Jamie Gittens dribbling against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Jamie Gittens’ numbers vs Wolves Total
Minutes 90
Goals 1
Assists 2
Big chances created 1
Key passes 4
Shots 2
Touches 70
Dribbles (successful) 12 (5)
Via Sofascore
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Neither Garnacho nor Gittens has made the left-wing spot their own yet, so it could have been there for the taking for Sancho.
Instead, the Englishman finds himself on Villa’s bench, failing to make a single Premier League start all season.
Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku (left) with team-mate Jadon Sancho (right)
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea record
Enzo Maresca was a fan of Sancho. He made 41 appearances under the Chelsea manager in all competitions last season.
He helped the Blues to win the Conference League after scoring a fantastic goal against Real Betis in the final.
Jadon Sancho’s record at Chelsea Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 31 3 4
Conference League 8 2 5
FA Cup 2 0 0
Total 41 5 9
Simply put, Sancho’s move to Chelsea was working; everyone was benefitting from it. Leaving the Blues and joining Villa must now be a decision that the England international regrets.
The Villans take on Chelsea next, but it would be a surprise if Sancho started given how often Emery has snubbed him.
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