Chelsea to Pay £5m Penalty as Jadon Sancho Set to Return to Manchester United

SME News UK. Chelsea will pay a £5 million penalty fee after opting not to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal, with the England international now expected to return to Manchester United, according to multiple reports.Sancho, 25, joined Chelsea on loan last season and played a supporting role in their successful UEFA Conference League campaign. The forward capped his stint at Stamford Bridge with a goal in the final, helping The Blues secure a convincing 4-1 victory over Spanish side Real Betis, making them the first club to win all three major UEFA club competitions.Despite flashes of quality, including two goals and five assists in eight Conference League appearances, Sancho struggled to nail down a regular starting spot under Enzo Maresca in the Premier League. He featured 31 times in the league, contributing three goals and five assists.The decision not to make the loan permanent comes at a cost, with Chelsea reportedly obligated to pay a £5 million fee as part of the loan agreement. Sancho will now return to Manchester United, where his future remains uncertain.Signed for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has endured a turbulent spell at Old Trafford. He fell out of favour under former manager Erik ten Hag and was subsequently loaned back to Dortmund in early 2024.His return to Germany proved more fruitful. Sancho was a key figure in Dortmund’s run to the UEFA Champions League final, starting in the showpiece match at Wembley. However, Dortmund fell short as Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 15th Champions League title with a 2-0 win.According to The Athletic , Sancho now has options across the Premier League and various European leagues. His next move is likely to be closely watched as he looks to reignite the promise that once made him one of England’s most highly rated young talents.