At one point, Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho appeared to be one of the signings of the season, making an immediate impact with three assists in his first three games.
He also delivered a stunning goal against Tottenham in September, sparking a 4-3 comeback victory.
However, Sancho has not scored since, and his future at Stamford Bridge is now uncertain.
While Chelsea has an obligation to sign him permanently at the end of the season, reports suggest they can terminate the deal by paying a penalty fee to Manchester United.
If Chelsea proceeds with this option, it would still come at a significant financial cost. ESPN reports that the club must purchase Sancho for £25m if they finish 14th or higher, meaning scrapping the deal would require paying a large portion of that amount.
Given his inconsistency, Chelsea faces a tough decision. Sancho, still only 24, has shown flashes of his talent and could refine his game with time.
However, with the Blues reportedly eyeing other wingers, such as Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, his long-term role remains unclear.
One area of concern is his crossing. Despite being a creative force early on, Sancho has attempted 19 Premier League crosses this season without completing one, according to WhoScored.
If he stays, improving that aspect will be key for both his development and Chelsea’s attacking options.
Ruben Amorim discovers real reason behind Geovany Quenda’s Man Utd snub
Sporting Lisbon’s highly-rated winger Geovany Quenda has agreed to join Chelsea, despite previous links to Manchester United.
The 17-year-old will remain with Sporting for the 2025-26 season before making the move to the Premier League.
Quenda’s preference to play as a winger rather than a wing-back played a key role in his decision. Sporting’s head coach, Ruben Amorim—who is also a target for Manchester United—reportedly wanted to reunite with Quenda at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies on wing-backs rather than traditional wide forwards, making Chelsea the more appealing destination.
Chelsea will also welcome 20-year-old defensive midfielder Dario Essugo, with both transfers valued at around £62 million.
Quenda’s signing could further complicate Chelsea’s decision regarding Jadon Sancho. The club initially agreed to a £25 million obligation to buy him from Manchester United but now has the option to pay a penalty fee instead.
Given Quenda’s impending arrival in 2026, Chelsea is reportedly reconsidering whether to finalize Sancho’s permanent transfer.
Sancho, 24, made an impressive start at Stamford Bridge but has struggled for consistency, contributing just two goals and one assist since late September.
He has featured in 23 Premier League games, starting 16. With Chelsea already boasting numerous attacking options, Quenda’s future role in the squad could influence the club’s decision on Sancho.
