Chelsea will allegedly have the opportunity to reject a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho during the summer transfer window.
In the closing stages of the 2024 equivalent, Chelsea successfully negotiated loan terms with their United counterparts to hand Sancho a way out of Old Trafford.
The England international was not in the plans of then-United head coach Erik ten Hag, largely due to their previous falling out and the player's failure to convince him into a change of heart from his handful of further chances.
At the time, it was suggested that Chelsea would likely be signing the 24-year-old on a full-time basis at the end of the season for a fee in the region of £22m.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Sancho moving to London on a long-term contract is not a foregone conclusion.
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What options do Chelsea have?
The report suggests that Chelsea have the alternative option of paying a penalty fee if they do not wish to keep Sancho in Enzo Maresca's squad.
Furthermore, it is added that the player himself is yet to agree to a contract at Chelsea, another factor that could derail United's plans to generate a fee for one of their most expensive players in their history.
After Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed earlier this week the extent of United's perilous financial situation, particularly with regards to transfer fees still needing to be paid on past deals, United are banking on Chelsea taking up their option.
With Sancho having less than 18 months on his United contract, there is a scenario where the Red Devils could be left having to contemplate offers from elsewhere.
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Are Chelsea likely to turn down Sancho chance?
Sancho has made a total of 17 starts and nine substitute outings for Chelsea since his move to the capital on August 30.
Maresca has also generally praised the winger and views him as an important member of the squad, but just two goals and six assists have been recorded in all competitions.
That average return can partly be put down to teammates failing to take chances, yet Sancho has reached a point where he has netted just five goals from 51 outings for United, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea since the start of 2023-24.
Chelsea also have the option of acquiring Sancho for the agreed fee and look to make an immediate profit, but much may depend on where Sancho views his future.
If Sancho sees the value of becoming a free agent in 2026, then he may be prepared to play a waiting game to take greater control of his career.
Darren Plant
