'Premier League is too hard for him' - Chelsea urged to pay for Jadon Sancho to return to Man Utd amid 14-game goal drought

Sancho, who joined Chelsea on loan this season after falling out with former United boss Erik ten Hag, could remain at Stamford Bridge permanently if certain conditions are met. The loan agreement includes a mandatory purchase clause should Chelsea finish 14th or higher in the Premier League, with a fee ranging between £22-25 million based on their final position.

Given that Enzo Maresca’s team currently occupies fourth place, far ahead of United in 13th, it appears increasingly likely that a permanent transfer will be triggered. However, should Chelsea opt against securing his services, Sancho could return to Old Trafford, though this decision would come with a financial penalty for the Blues.

Gallas has been vocal about his doubts over Sancho’s ability to perform consistently at the highest level. The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender believes the winger has yet to replicate the form he showed during his time at Borussia Dortmund and believes that Chelsea would be better off without the England international.

Speaking to Spin Genie, Gallas stated: "From what I’ve seen of Jadon Sancho, I'd pay the fee to send him back to Manchester United rather than signing him on a permanent deal. With players like him, who are so talented, I cannot understand why they cannot perform, why he cannot perform like he did at Borussia Dortmund.

“With Manchester United, he had a problem with the manager Erik ten Hag, he joined Chelsea and we thought he could perform like he did with Dortmund as he did at the beginning, but you have to be consistent. For players now, it's difficult for them to be consistent for some reason. He has to be consistent with his quality, he has to do more, but he doesn't really do what we want from him. If he goes back to Manchester United, that means he failed. That means he can't go to that next level, maybe that means the Premier League is too hard for him."

Sancho's struggles, according to Gallas, may stem from the physical and mental demands of English football. The Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most intense and physically demanding leagues in the world - something Gallas believes Sancho has yet to fully adapt to.

"In the Premier League, you have to be consistent. The Premier League is about intensity. It’s not easy to stay at that level every Saturday or Sunday and often twice a week," he added.

"You have to be really strong and you have to recover, you have to relax and sleep when you can to be ready for the next game. Even if you had a good performance three days ago, you have to go again. Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, Serie A, they are different. They are not intense like the Premier League."

Sancho’s contract with United runs until 2026, and his wages - reportedly £250,000 per week - continue to be a cause of major concern. Currently, Chelsea covers £100,000 of his salary, while United remain responsible for the rest. If Chelsea decide against signing him permanently, United will have the unenviable task of finding another buyer for the out-of-favour player.