Chelsea`s contractual obligation to purchase Jadon Sancho has now been officially activated.
The winger, who moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last summer from Manchester United after struggling at Old Trafford, has had an inconsistent period with the Blues.
The 25-year-old has registered three goals and four assists across 27 appearances in the Premier League this season.
Notably, his campaign included a significant 16-game goal drought in the league which lasted from December until he scored a superb goal against Ipswich earlier this month.
Despite fluctuating form since the start of the year, Chelsea have managed to hold onto a position within the top five of the league standings.
With only a few matches remaining, Enzo Maresca`s squad is now guaranteed to finish no lower than 15th in the table following their recent victory against Fulham.
Achieving this minimum league position has triggered a specific clause in Sancho`s loan agreement, compelling Chelsea to pay Manchester United £25 million to secure his permanent transfer.
However, the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge retains the option to withdraw from the deal.
Reports indicate that the club`s final decision regarding Sancho`s long-term future will be deferred until the current season concludes.
Should Chelsea decide against completing the permanent move, they would be required to compensate Manchester United with a penalty fee of £5 million.
Sancho, a product of the Manchester City academy, joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £73 million.
However, his initial two seasons were hampered by poor form, personal issues, and injuries.
His third season at United began with promise but was derailed after a public disagreement with then-manager Erik ten Hag over training performance, leading to him being excluded from the first team squad after refusing to apologize.
He spent the latter half of the 2023/24 season back on loan at Dortmund, where he played a key role in their journey to the Champions League final.
Despite his successful return, Dortmund could not afford the transfer fee for a permanent signing, paving the way for Chelsea to take him on loan last summer.
