Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United this summer after Chelsea decided not to make his loan move permanent. The England winger’s loan at Stamford Bridge officially ends on June 30. Despite an active season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s new management has opted against triggering the £25 million purchase clause in his deal.
Sancho joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United in January 2025. He made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 10 assists. His most notable moment came in the UEFA Conference League final where he scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 win. Despite this contribution, incoming manager Enzo Maresca has chosen to move in a different direction.
The club will now pay a £5 million penalty fee to Manchester United as part of the original loan agreement. The clause was included to protect United in case Chelsea refused to buy the player after the loan ended.
A key factor in Chelsea’s decision was Sancho’s wage demands. The winger earns £250,000 per week at United, a figure that does not align with Chelsea’s new salary structure. The club is shifting towards a performance-based wage model, especially under the leadership of sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
Sancho arrived at Stamford Bridge with hopes of reviving his career following a difficult spell at United. His fallout with former United manager Erik ten Hag had seen him sidelined for much of the previous season. The loan to Chelsea gave him a chance to play regular football, and he did show signs of his former quality. However, Chelsea’s internal evaluation concluded that he did not offer consistent value for the long term.
Manchester United are now looking to offload Sancho on a permanent basis. Reports suggest the club wants to raise funds through his sale. West Ham United have expressed interest and could explore a swap deal involving midfielder Mohammed Kudus. Sancho’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. While United may welcome him back for preseason, a clean break appears more likely.
Chelsea are already scouting alternatives. Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho are among their targets. Both players are younger and fit the club’s new recruitment focus on potential and wage flexibility.
The end of Sancho’s time at Chelsea also marks another chapter in his inconsistent career. Since leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2021, he has struggled to maintain form or find a stable place. While his loan spell offered moments of promise, it ultimately failed to convince Chelsea that he was worth the long-term investment.
The 24-year-old winger will now return to Manchester hoping for clarity on his next steps. Whether that includes a second chance at Old Trafford or a new start elsewhere remains to be seen. What is clear is that his Chelsea chapter will end without a permanent deal and with questions once again surrounding his future.