If you’d told Jadon Sancho four years ago that scoring a stunner in the UEFA Conference League would be his best moment in England, he likely wouldn’t believe you.
Nor would the Manchester United fans who were salivating at the idea of signing the Borussia Dortmund winger.
But a regrettable spell in Manchester and an inconsistent loan move to Chelsea have dragged the once world-class winger to career instability.
United don’t want the 25-year-old, hoping the west London side will go through with their £25m obligation to buy Sancho, but there have also been rumours that The Blues may opt out of the clause for £5m.
Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
This could be a strategic move to free up space for the potential arrival of Morgan Rogers at Stamford Bridge.
But a scintillating Conference League campaign may have turned the heads of The Blues’ businessmen.
This was topped off with a sumptuous curler in the final.
Sancho has since been flooded with plaudits on social media, with ex-England teammate Tammy Abraham also backing him.
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Tammy Abraham sends rallying message of support to Jadon Sancho
On Instagram, Abraham posted on his story a replay of Sancho’s goal with the caption: “Put respect on the name!!!”
Underneath the caption, he tagged his former England teammate with a fire and heart emoji.
Tammy Abraham praising Sancho on Instagram after UEFA Conference League final goal
Credit: Tammy Abraham on Instagram
Abraham and Sancho first played together in October 2019 as the AC Milan striker came off the bench for England against the Czech Republic in a 2-1 defeat. Sancho started and played the full game.
They went on to feature in four more internationals together but haven’t played alongside each other since October 2021.
Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez also took to social media to praise Sancho.
He posted a picture of himself hugging the winger, tagging him with a magic wand emoji.
Enzo Fernandes posting a picture of him hugging Jadon Sancho on his story with the wand emoji used
Credit: Enzo Fernandes instagram
This leaves the bosses at Chelsea with a big decision as to whether to keep Sancho or release him back to United.
Chelsea face Sancho transfer decision
In today’s market, £25m for a Champions League-proven player is inexpensive, if not a bargain. This might play a big role in whether he’s signed or not.
That said, his inconsistency might hinder this.
Player: Matches played (this season) Goals Assists Goal contribution %
Jadon Sancho 41 5 10 36.6%
Mykhailo Mudryk 15 3 5 53.3%
Rodrygo 50 13 10 46%
Morgan Rogers 54 14 15 54%
With murmurs of Rodrygo and Rogers being options for Chelsea in the market, they could bring greater goal contribution consistency than Sancho.
But the former Dortmund star can thrive in his work to get to the final third. Per FBRef, in the last year, Sancho completed 5.11 progressive carries per 90, compared to Rodrygo’s 4.98 and Rogers’ 3.20.
While the English winger isn’t as prolific, his work to get the ball into the final third is very strong and provides Chelsea with a different option, which can change a game.
But Sancho’s fate isn’t in his own hands and, like the rest of us, he’ll have to wait and see what the Chelsea board do in the coming days or weeks.