Sancho’s Chelsea Future Uncertain as Final Approaches

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said that no decision has been made about Jadon Sancho’s future. Important talks will happen in the next 48 hours.

DECISION PENDING

Chelsea will face Real Betis in the Conference League final. Maresca confirmed that the club has not decided if they will activate the £25 million purchase option for Sancho. Chelsea triggered an obligation to buy Sancho after finishing higher than 15th in the Premier League. However, they can stop this by paying a £5 million penalty fee to Manchester United and send Sancho back to Old Trafford. The Blues are expected to make their decision after the European final on Wednesday.

MIXED SEASON FOR SANCHO

Sancho joined Chelsea on a season-long loan last summer, aiming for a fresh start under Maresca after his public fallout with ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The England international has made 40 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season, scoring four goals and having 10 assists. However, his form has dropped since January, with just one goal and one assist in his last 17 league games. Out of his 40 appearances, only 19 have been Premier League starts.

Chelsea hold the fourth position in the Premier League table with one game left, putting them in a good position to secure Champions League qualification next season. The potential financial boost from Europe will affect their decision on Sancho’s future.

OTHER OPTIONS EMERGING

If Chelsea opt against keeping Sancho, other clubs are showing interest in the winger. Bayer Leverkusen, who had an unbeaten Bundesliga season under Xabi Alonso, reportedly want to bring Sancho back to Germany, where he previously excelled with Borussia Dortmund. However, their efforts might depend on hiring ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as their next head coach.

Meanwhile, new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will decide Sancho’s future if he returns to Old Trafford. United bought the winger from Dortmund for £73 million in 2021, and Sancho still has a contract with the club until 2026. Despite his falling out with Ten Hag, a new manager could give him a fresh start at United.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The focus will be on Chelsea’s final against Real Betis, which might be Sancho’s last appearance in a Chelsea shirt. The outcome of the match and confirmed Champions League qualification will likely affect the club’s decision on Sancho. With Maresca confirming that there will be discussions about player futures soon, Sancho’s fate at Stamford Bridge could be decided soon.