A loophole in Chelsea’s loan agreement for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho could allow him to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, according to reports.
Sancho joined Chelsea last summer on a deal that included an obligation for the Blues to make the transfer permanent for a fee between £20m and £25m, with the exact amount depending on their final league position. This obligation is only triggered if Chelsea finish above 14th in the Premier League, which, while not guaranteed, appears likely given the current state of the season.
However, the Daily Mail reports that there are still ways Chelsea’s move for Sancho could fall through. The club reportedly has the option to back out of the permanent deal by paying a “significant penalty,” though the exact amount is not disclosed.
Even if Chelsea decide to go ahead with the permanent transfer, they still need to negotiate personal terms with Sancho, having agreed to the deal without finalizing a contract with the player. If contract talks break down, Sancho could potentially return to United, who are set to pay Borussia Dortmund £17m this summer as part of the original deal for the winger in 2021.
Chelsea are understood to be interested in signing a new winger this summer, regardless of what happens with Sancho, who has struggled with just two goals in 26 appearances this season and recently expressed frustration with his lack of goals.
