Chelsea is bound by an obligation to buy Jadon Sancho, but they can still return him to Manchester United this summer if they accept a financial penalty.

In the summer of 2024, Chelsea signed Sancho on loan from Man Utd. According to the contract, Stamford Bridge must purchase him permanently for $33 million if they finish higher than 14th place in the 2024-2025 Premier League season. Currently, Chelsea sits fourth after 29 rounds.

However, according to ESPN, another clause allows Chelsea to return Sancho if they pay a $6.5 million penalty.

At the start of the season, Sancho performed well. However, the English winger gradually declined, scoring just two goals and providing six assists in 29 matches. He has not scored since Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Tottenham in December 2024.

Meanwhile, his teammates have been much more productive during the same period:

  • Cole Palmer: 14 goals, 6 assists in 33 matches.

  • Noni Madueke: 8 goals, 4 assists in 28 matches.

  • Pedro Neto: 5 goals, 7 assists in 34 matches.

Chelsea has yet to make a decision regarding Sancho. Manager Enzo Maresca may wait until the end of the season, depending on whether the club secures a Champions League spot.

On the other hand, if forced to take Sancho back after two consecutive loan spells, Manchester United will face further difficulties in reducing their squad. The Red Devils are already looking to offload Marcus Rashford and Antony, both currently on loan at Aston Villa and Real Betis, respectively.

Sancho rose to prominence at Borussia Dortmund from 2017 to 2021. However, after joining Man Utd, he failed to meet expectations. In January 2024, following a fallout with then-manager Erik ten Hag, Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan, regained form, and reached the Champions League final. However, upon returning to Man Utd, he once again struggled to integrate into the squad.

During the Community Shield final on August 10, 2024, Sancho missed a crucial penalty in the fourth round, which could have secured Man Utd's victory. Later, Jonny Evans also failed his penalty, leading to Man Utd's 6-7 defeat against Manchester City.

Sancho has played 23 matches and scored three goals for England from 2018 to 2021. Alongside Rashford and Bukayo Saka, he missed a penalty in the Euro 2021 final, resulting in England’s 2-3 loss to Italy. Since joining Man Utd, Sancho has not been called up to the national team and missed both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.