Chelsea’s interest grows as Jadon Sancho future remains uncertain
The transfer saga of the summer around the future of Jadon Sancho at Manchester United rumbles on. Having fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag and spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho is expected to depart Old Trafford permanently — and Chelsea are said to be keeping a close eye.
Signed by United in 2021 from Dortmund for £73 million, the 24-year-old wingman has not lived up to the billing. Though he has shown glimpses of quality, Sancho’s erratic displays and high-profile bust-up with ten Hag means he has slipped down the order. He featured in only three Premier League games before United sent him on loan in January, and while his return to Dortmund delivered respectable performances, it hasn’t fully reignited his once-burgeoning career.
🚨 Jadon Sancho won’t stay at Man United this summer, plan clear on both player and club side.
Player’s camp to assess all options in the next weeks as Sancho will return to Man Utd not playing FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/qWOJp9Jwww
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2025
Chelsea, however, believe the deal represents good value for a player who will command a fee and also still has significant ability and resale value. And as the club is reading the attack, particularly under new boss Enzo Maresca, Sancho could offer a versatile addition on either flank. Chelsea appear to be working on a structured deal—almost certainly an initial loan that includes an obligation or an option to buy—which allows them to navigate Financial Fair Play restrictions, at least for now. United, on the other hand, seem determined to secure a permanent sale to raise funds for their own summer overhaul.
Sancho still hasn’t confirmed whether he would accept a move to a direct Premier League rival, but the links to Stamford Bridge grow stronger as background discussions continue to develop.
Sancho’s profile fits Chelsea’s rebuilding blueprint
As Chelsea rebuild under a new coaching structure, they seek young, technically gifted players they can develop and shape into a side that presses high up the pitch. Even after a few hiccups, Sancho is among the most technically gifted English attackers. His skill to beat defenders one-on-one, link between the lines and create can be precisely what Chelsea need after a disappointing 2024/25.
Sancho has big-game experience in the Bundesliga as well as the Premier League on Chelsea’s wide-men, most of whom are still in formative stage. His arrival may provide some much-needed depth and attacking impetus to a squad that at times was deficient in that area, particularly in fixtures when the likes of Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke were not on top of their game.
Dortmund want to keep Sancho long term, but Chelsea are so wealthy they could swiftly alter the course of negotiations. And also, Manchester United’s reluctance to deal with German clubs based on the limited return of their previous sales could sway them to suitors closer to home—providing the money is right.
Author’s Opinion
Putting sentiment aside, Chelsea’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho is a textbook example of high risk, high reward. On the one hand, they would be adding a player who undeniably has struggled at Manchester United and who might carry some sort of baggage from that breakdown. On the flip side, Sancho still holds untapped potential, and a fresh start at Stamford Bridge could be the catalyst he needs.
The issue is his mindset and ability to adjust. For how long? Would he have been a hit under a new coach with a new philosophy, or would the same issues that have kept hold of him since he left United ensure he is not a game-changer in English football. If Chelsea can pull off something crafty — say, a loan-to-buy with performance bonuses — it could end up as one of the bargains of the summer.
Either way, Sancho’s name will not leave the headlines until something is resolved. And if Chelsea can pull this off, it would be a bold signal of intent as they look to re-enter the Premier League’s elite conversation.
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