03/06/2025
Jadon Sancho to Depart Chelsea as Club Activates £5m Penalty Clause
London, 3 June 2025 — Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that winger Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United at the end of his loan spell, following the activation of a £5 million penalty clause embedded in the original agreement between the two clubs.
Sancho, 24, joined Chelsea on a season-long loan in August 2024, with an obligation to buy for £25 million contingent upon the club finishing 14th or higher in the Premier League. Chelsea secured a fourth-place finish, thereby triggering the clause. However, the agreement also included a provision allowing Chelsea to opt out of the permanent transfer by paying a £5 million penalty fee to Manchester United.
Despite initial optimism, Sancho's tenure at Stamford Bridge was marked by inconsistency. He made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals, including a notable strike in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. Nevertheless, he struggled to secure a regular starting position, particularly after the festive period.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Sancho's representatives aimed at adjusting his reported £300,000-per-week salary to align with the club's incentive-based wage structure failed to yield an agreement. Consequently, Chelsea opted to activate the penalty clause, allowing Sancho to return to Manchester United.
Sancho's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. Under new manager Rúben Amorim, Manchester United are undergoing a squad overhaul, and it is unclear whether Sancho will feature in the club's plans for the 2025–26 season. Reports suggest that United are open to offers for the winger as they seek to restructure their squad.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are actively pursuing alternative options to bolster their attacking lineup. The club has secured the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million and is reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens, with a potential £50 million bid under consideration.
As the summer transfer window progresses, both clubs are expected to make further moves to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season.