Manchester United officials feel Chelsea could swoop for Jadon Sancho

Manchester United officials reportedly feel Chelsea will enter the race to sign Jadon Sancho, who still faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. The English winger made amends with Erik ten Hag ahead of pre-season but could still depart the club permanently if a suitable offer is made.

Sancho, 24, spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund after a massive fallout with Ten Hag over his training performance. He was a regular starter at Signal Iduna Park, including a start in a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final. He was expected to make an immediate permanent exit instead of returning to the Red Devils, but he’s back on good terms with Ten Hag.

The former Manchester City academy product missed Manchester United‘s 1-0 win against Fulham in their season opener due to an ear infection. Speculation grows that the club is still expecting a departure, and Chelsea is the latest club to be touted as a potential destination, per The Athletic.

Chelsea signed Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week and are closing in on Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. The Blues’ winger options are becoming extensive, but a move for Sancho is seemingly possible.

The Red Devils value Sancho at £40 million and could look towards pointing him towards the Saudi Pro League, whose clubs are prepared to pay big money for top European talent. It remains to be seen what his priority is, but given his age, remaining in Europe and the Premier League could be most likely.

Sancho joined Manchester United from Dortmund in 2021 for £74 million. He’s failed to replicate his BvB form, managing 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances across competitions.

Manchester United star Jadon Sancho was a Chelsea fan growing up

Jadon Sancho was linked with a move to Chelsea before joining Manchester United, and many felt his past admiration for the Blues would lead to a Stamford Bridge arrival. He spoke with talkSPORT about his love for the west London outfit just months before heading to Old Trafford:

“I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time. I just loved Frank Lampard and how he played his game – he was so direct and so composed on the ball. I like things like that.”

Sancho’s United spell has been one to forget thus far, and he may look at a Stamford Bridge move as a fresh opportunity to shine in the English top flight. His stock was sky-high ahead of his return to the Premier League three years ago, but he’s lost his place in the England national team and has failed to reach expectations.