Jadon Sancho might return to Manchester United next season, even though Chelsea is obligated to purchase the forward.
The 24-year-old United winger is currently on loan at Chelsea for the season.
Sancho joined Chelsea last summer after losing favor in Manchester.
The former £73 million player has played 26 games for Chelsea this season, scoring 2 goals.
Sancho recently said he was “delighted” to be at Chelsea and “felt at home”.
However, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized Sancho during a recent interview.
Chelsea’s loan agreement with United includes a mandatory purchase of Sancho if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League.
According to reports, the final transfer fee would be between £22m and £25m, depending on Chelsea’s final league position.
However, it’s claimed that Chelsea could still withdraw from the deal and send Sancho back to United, where he has 18 months left on his £250,000-a-week contract.
The former Man City player has “yet to agree personal terms” with Chelsea.
If Chelsea backs out of the purchase clause, they would face a “significant penalty” fine.
Chelsea could still complete the transfer and then sell Sancho to another club.
Alternatively, they might choose to send him back to United and pay the penalty.
Ratcliffe complained about United’s “overspending” on players in a BBC interview.
He revealed that the club still needs to pay Dortmund £17m for Sancho this summer.
Sancho arrived with high expectations in 2021 but has not lived up to them at Old Trafford.
INEOS chief Ratcliffe told the BBC: “Some players are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid.”
“But for us to shape the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”
“There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”
