Jadon Sancho faces an uncertain future at Chelsea but regardless of the outcome, the club will still be hit financially.
The 24-year-old winger arrived at Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer. Football.london understands the deal agreed between the sides includes an obligation-to-buy.
Chelsea were long-term admirers of Sancho, who went on to establish himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe during his time at Manchester City's youth setup and consequently, Borussia Dortmund.
After a brilliant start to life with the Blues, his performance levels have dropped since the start of the new year. There have been suggestions that Chelsea could pull out of the deal - even if the clause conditions are met to make his move permanent.
The Athletic have detailed that even if Chelsea decide against signing Sancho permanently, it will still cost them £5million in a penalty fee to United.
There were further questions over Sancho's future in London after agreeing a transfer for Sporting Clube de Portugal's Geovany Quenda.
Although he will join in 2026 for £42.5million, Chelsea reputedly have intentions to sign a new winger in the upcoming market.
But The Athletic adds that this relates more to uncertainty over Mykhailo Mudryk’s availability.
The Ukraine international has been suspended by the Football Association for failing a drugs test.
At the start of the year, Blues boss Enzo Maresca praised Sancho's debut season at the club. "For me he’s doing very well," he said.
"I am quite surprised with Jadon, because I knew Jadon already (from seeing him at his previous clubs) and I know what I expected from him, but in terms of being consistent, he’s doing very well.
"Apart from a short part of the season (early November) when he had some problems. When he was out ill but for the rest he has been very good.
"I expected him to do well, but for all the players doing well for a long period is not easy, and he has been doing well for a long period already. He’s doing well, now he just needs to continue going in that way."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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