Thanks But No Thanks: Chelsea Forced into Spending Millions to Return Jadon Sancho to Man United

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Thanks But No Thanks: Chelsea Forced into Spending Millions to Return Jadon Sancho to Man United

Mark Kinyanjui 21:59 - 11.06.2025

The Englishman was on loan from Manchester United with a €30 million mandatory purchase clause, but Chelsea backed out.

In a surprising twist to what was once seen as a promising transfer, Jadon Sancho has officially returned to Manchester United following the conclusion of his loan spell at Chelsea.

The London club confirmed on Wednesday that they will not be exercising their obligation to make the winger’s move permanent—despite a mandatory purchase clause of €30 million (£25m) included in the deal.

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Chelsea Opt Out, But at a Price

Rather than triggering the clause, Chelsea negotiated an early termination of the agreement by paying a £5–6 million penalty to Manchester United. The decision comes despite Sancho’s reasonable contributions during the 2024/25 season, where he registered five goals and ten assists across 42 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League triumph.

However, the club’s hierarchy ultimately chose not to retain the 25-year-old, reportedly due to disagreements over wage demands and a lack of belief in his long-term value within the squad. As a result, Sancho will not take part in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

No Future at United Either

Sancho’s return to Old Trafford is not expected to be long-term. New United manager Rúben Amorim has no plans to reintegrate the England international into his squad. Sources close to the club suggest that a permanent exit is preferred, although a loan move is not ruled out should a suitable buyer fail to emerge.

The former Borussia Dortmund star will join United’s pre-season training camp, but both club and player are keen on securing a departure during the current transfer window.

Sancho has already enjoyed two spells at Borussia Dortmund, where he made his name before his £73 million move to Manchester United in 2021. A loan return to the German club in the latter half of the 2023/24 season saw him help Dortmund reach the Champions League final, which they narrowly lost to Real Madrid.

Unsurprisingly, talk of a third stint at Signal Iduna Park has emerged. However, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has cooled speculation, saying:

“Of course, contact with Jadon is always there, in some way, because we have a very long history. But it’s not an issue for us right now. We have other priorities at the moment.”

What Next for Sancho?

With Chelsea unwilling to commit and United eager to sell, Sancho finds himself in limbo once again. Once heralded as one of England’s brightest prospects, the winger now faces an uncertain future, with both Premier League and European clubs weighing up his value.

Though his numbers were respectable last season, clubs will be wary of his high wages and fluctuating form. Still only 25, Sancho has time to rebuild his career—but he’ll need to find the right environment to do so.