Explained: How Chelsea triggered permanent Jadon Sancho transfer with last-gasp victory over Fulham - and why they can still get out of deal with Man Utd

The Blues signed the England international winger on a season-long agreement during the summer window of 2024. Sancho has registered just three goals in all competitions, while half of his 10 assists have come in the Conference League.

The 25-year-old forward has struggled to convince those at Stamford Bridge that he is worth keeping around. A 2-1 derby victory over Fulham does, however, mean that a £25 million ($33m) purchase clause has kicked in.

That is because the Blues are now guaranteed to finish higher than 15th in the Premier League table. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reports that: "Chelsea's win over Fulham means an obligation to buy Jadon Sancho of up to £25m [€29m] has now kicked in. It is triggered providing Chelsea finish above 15th, which is now mathematically guaranteed to be the case."

Chelsea do have a way out of the big-money transfer that is being lined up. Jacobs adds that: "Chelsea can override the obligation by paying Man Utd a fee of £5m [€6m]. Decision whether to keep Sancho will be taken at the end of the season."

Sancho, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, still has a year left to run on his contract at Old Trafford. He was moved on after falling out with ex-Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, so may see the slate wiped clean in Manchester by Ruben Amorim if a another move in 2025 is not agreed.