Jadon Sancho has confirmed his departure from Chelsea following the conclusion of his season-long loan and has returned to Manchester United.
Sancho, 25, made 41 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, scoring five goals and providing ten assists. He played a key role in the club’s UEFA Conference League triumph, netting in the 4–1 final win over Real Betis – Chelsea’s first trophy under the Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital ownership group.
However, despite Sancho’s contributions on the pitch, Chelsea were unable to reach an agreement on a permanent deal. A source told ESPN that the London club failed to agree personal terms with the former England international, with salary demands proving a key stumbling block. Sancho, who is believed to be earning over 300,000 pounds per week, was asked to accept a significant wage reduction to align with Chelsea’s revised salary structure. Talks ultimately collapsed.
Chelsea are now expected to pay a 5 million pounds fee to exit the loan early, as the original deal included a conditional obligation to buy Sancho for around 25 million pounds. His departure also means the club will head into their pre-season tour of the United States without the winger. Chelsea face LAFC in Atlanta on June 16 as part of their Club World Cup campaign.
Sancho took to social media to thank the club and its supporters, writing on X: “Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home – teammates, staff, and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward.”
With his future at MUnited still unresolved, Sancho is expected to assess options across Europe in the coming weeks. He last featured for United in August 2023 before falling out with then-manager Erik ten Hag and being loaned out in January.
As the transfer window opens, Sancho’s next move will be one of several key storylines to watch, both for United, who may look to move him permanently, and for clubs across Europe seeking attacking reinforcements.