Chelsea triggered their obligation to buy Jadon Sancho permanently by beating Fulham on Sunday, it has been reported.
Sancho, 25, arrived on loan from Manchester United last summer with an obligation to buy for a £25million fee. He has struggled to kick on after bagging an assist on debut, though, scoring just three times in 33 Chelsea appearances this season.
According to reports, Chelsea’s late comeback win over their west London rivals meant the £25m clause was activated, per the terms in the loan agreement with United, as the three points earned meant the Blues guaranteed a 15th-place finish or higher in the Premier League this season.
It has been reported that the player’s contract features a break clause, which could see Chelsea pay £5m to get out of their obligation and send Sancho back to United.
Standard Sport reported last month that the sense out of Stamford Bridge is still that the intention is to sign Sancho permanently at the end of the season. But a decision is still to be made which could leave Sancho in limbo.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca was earlier this month noncommittal over Sancho’s future when asked about the player, telling reporters: “I love all the players here. In this moment, [our goal] is to finish well and not think about next season. What happens in the summer, we will see. I am happy with all the players here.”
He added: “He can do better in terms of numbers, no doubt, but it is not only Jadon. I do not need to give Jadon a message, I speak with him every day. He needs to continue to give his best. That is what we want.”
