Chelsea ‘able to pay’ after remaining Jadon Sancho switch resolution amid Man Utd escape clause
Chelsea have reportedly made their final decision on Jadon Sancho’s future as the winger nears the end of his season-long loan deal from Manchester United
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay Manchester United to escape their obligation to sign Jadon Sancho permanently.
Despite a promising start at Stamford Bridge, the on-loan flop’s recent performance has cast doubt over a permanent deal.
The terms of the loan agreement for the winger stipulate that if Chelsea finish 14th or higher in the Premier League, they would be obliged to shell out up to £25million to secure Sancho on a permanent basis.
However, there is a clause in the agreement that allows them to pay United a seven-figure sum to opt out. Sancho has contributed just three goals and five assists for Chelsea this season, and hasn’t registered a goal involvement since January 4.
The Sun reports that Chelsea can avoid their obligation to purchase Sancho for a fee of £5m. The same publication suggests that the London club is ready to activate the clause, with several options available for their wide roles next season.
In addition to Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke, who have both seen significant game time this season, Chelsea will welcome Estevao Willian from Palmeiras and Geovany Quenda from Sporting.
They are also reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, who played in all 10 European Championship qualifiers for England’s Under-21 side.
The report suggests that Chelsea are eyeing up a swap deal involving Carney Chukwuemeka and Dortmund’s Gittens, with the German club reportedly having an option on Chukwuemeka, who scored his first goal in the Bundesliga last weekend.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had praised Sancho for his early contributions, but failed to commit to the winger beyond the current campaign.
“All the players that are with us, I love all of them, but in this moment it’s the moment to finish well and then it’s not the moment to think about next season,” Maresca said before Chelsea faced off against Tottenham and Brentford in crucial London derbies, where Sancho was named in the starting line-up for both matches.
“I’m completely focused about nine games, two months to go, I’m completely focused about that,” Maresca added.
“Then what happens in summer, we’ll see. But all the ones that are here, I want them happy to be here.”
