Jadon Sancho's Man Utd future takes huge twist as hidden Chelsea transfer clause emerges
Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United and is expected to see his move made permanent in the summer but it appears the Blues ensured they have a loophole in the deal
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorChelsea still have the opportunity to decline to turn Jadon Sancho's loan move from Manchester United into a permanent deal.
The winger secured an exit from Old Trafford last summer, with a deal agreed where so long as Enzo Maresca's side finish 14th or higher in the Premier League, they will pay a fee of £22-25million to the Red Devils. Chelsea are in contention for Champions League football and a late season plunge into the bottom half appears unlikely, with the west London club 15 points clear of United, who currently occupy 14th place.
However, a loophole is said to be present in the agreement that would allow Chelsea to renege on the deal. The Blues could choose to pay a 'significant penalty' if they did not want to move forward with a transfer for the 24-year-old, reports the Mail.
An additional complicating factor could be the terms of any contract agreed with the player. Sancho is yet to agree a deal at Stamford Bridge, despite his stay at the club having looked likely from the outset.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger has been a Premier League regular under Maresca but has provided just one assist in last 13 appearances in the division. The ex-Bundesliga star found three assists in his first three matches for the Blues and has since provided two goals.
Nevertheless Sancho appears happy at the club, and claimed to feel at home at Stamford Bridge. Following victory over Leicester, he said: "I'm really delighted that I'm here, playing football at Chelsea. Maresca makes us feel at home. It's not easy for players to say that. We've grown into one big family."
Speaking earlier this season, Maresca praised what Sancho had offered the side since arriving from Old Trafford. The Italian was pleasantly surprised by what the England international had delivered.
"For me he’s doing very well,’ said Maresca. "I am quite surprised with Jadon, because I knew Jadon already [from seeing him at his previous clubs] and I know what I expected from him, but in terms of being consistent, he’s doing very well.
"Apart from a short part of the season when he had some problems, when he was out ill, then for the rest he has been very good.
"I expected him to do well, but for all the players doing well for a long period is not easy, and he has been doing well for a long period already. He’s doing well, now he just needs to continue going in that way.’
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