Jadon Sancho might play for Manchester United next season, even though Chelsea is expected to buy the winger.
The 24-year-old Manchester United winger is currently on loan at Chelsea for the season.
Sancho moved to Chelsea last summer after losing his place at Manchester United.
The former £73 million player has played 26 times for Chelsea this season, scoring twice.
Sancho recently said he was “happy” to be at Chelsea and “felt comfortable” there.
However, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized Sancho during a recent interview.
Chelsea’s loan agreement with United requires them to buy Sancho if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League.
Sources indicate that the final transfer fee would be between £22 million and £25 million, depending on Chelsea’s final league position.
However, reports suggest that Chelsea could still decide against the deal and send Sancho back to Manchester United. He still has 18 months left on his £250,000-a-week contract with United.
The former Man City player has “not yet agreed personal terms” with Chelsea.
If Chelsea chooses not to buy Sancho, they would have to pay a “significant penalty” fee.
Chelsea might still complete the purchase and then sell Sancho to another club.
Alternatively, they could choose to return him to United and pay the penalty.
Ratcliffe criticized Manchester United for “overspending” on players in a BBC interview.
He mentioned that the club still needs to pay Dortmund £17 million for Sancho this summer.
Sancho joined Manchester United with high expectations in 2021 but has not performed as expected at Old Trafford.
INEOS chief Ratcliffe told The BBC: “Some players are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid.”
“It will take time for us to shape the squad that we are fully responsible for and accountable for.”
“We have some great players in the squad, and the captain is an excellent player.”
Marcus Bellamy