Chelsea pay huge penalty fee to send Jadon Sancho BACK to Man Utd after breakdown in permanent transfer negotiations

The 25-year-old’s season-long loan from Manchester United included an obligation to make the switch permanent for a fee that could rise to £25 million ($34m), but discussions regarding personal terms did not yield a successful conclusion, according to The Athletic.

With no consensus reached between Sancho and Chelsea, the club is now poised to trigger a £5m ($6.76m) penalty clause for declining to complete the full transfer agreement stipulated in the loan deal. The winger will return to United after his loan period expires on June 30.

Sancho’s time at Stamford Bridge may have been brief, but it was punctuated by standout moments. He made a dramatic introduction in September, assisting the winner off the bench against Bournemouth, a moment that sparked chants of support from the Chelsea faithful. He also brought the curtain down on the campaign with a vital goal in the UEFA Conference League final, sealing a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in Wroclaw. However, the lack of consistent impact throughout the rest of the season cast a shadow on his future at Stamford Bridge.

In total, Sancho featured in 42 matches for Chelsea across all competitions, contributing five goals and ten assists. His future is now unclear, though, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he is on a list of players expected to be sold by United this summer as they attempt to raise funds for new signings.

Sancho's spell at Old Trafford has been equally underwhelming, with just nine Premier League goals recorded across two-and-a-half seasons. The move to Chelsea offered a chance to reset and rebuild, and while there were highlights, the failed permanent transfer means he will have to search for fresh pastures once again, with it reported that he is unlikely to feature for the Blues at the Club World Cup.