Chelsea activated a £5 million penalty clause to cancel Jadon Sancho’s loan from Manchester United, sending the 24-year-old winger back to Old Trafford just months after his August 2024 move to Stamford Bridge.
The loan, which included an obligation to buy for £20-25 million if Chelsea finished above 15th in the Premier League, was terminated after Sancho’s inconsistent performances, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 15 league games in 2025. Chelsea, sitting fourth under Enzo Maresca, covered half of Sancho’s £300,000 weekly wages without a loan fee, but his lackluster output—despite four assists in his first three games—prompted the club to cut losses, freeing up funds for permanent signings like Liam Delap.
Sancho, who cost United £72.9 million in 2021, faces an uncertain future, with his contract running until 2026. His earlier loan to Borussia Dortmund in 2024, where he scored twice in 18 games, revived his form, but tensions with former United manager Erik ten Hag led to his exile. Amorim, United’s new boss, must now integrate Sancho, whose £250,000 weekly wage poses a PSR challenge, especially after United’s 15th-place finish.
Chelsea’s decision, finalized post their 4-1 UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis, where Sancho scored, surprised fans, with 70% in a social media poll favoring his permanent stay. United, needing to sell to fund signings may offload Sancho, with interest from West Ham and Saudi clubs like Neom SC. Maresca praised Sancho’s early impact but cited tactical mismatches, as wingers like Cole Palmer outperformed him. The move highlights United’s recruitment woes, with Sancho’s £32.52 million amortization value requiring a high sale price to avoid losses, complicating Amorim’s squad overhaul.