Jadon Sancho faces a somewhat uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea signed the 24-year-old winger from Manchester United on a season-long loan late in the summer transfer window in a deal which, football.london understands, includes an obligation-to-buy.
The Blues were long-term admirers of Sancho, who established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe during his time in the Manchester City youth setup. While the England man looks set to stay, there have been suggestions that Chelsea could pull out of the deal - even if the clause conditions are met.
Sancho enjoyed a brilliant start to life in west London, but his performance levels have dropped since the start of the new year. So, with that being said, football.london has now rounded-up everything you need to know about the United loanee and his future at Stamford Bridge;
Chelsea 'expected' to activate clause
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will activate their obligation-to-buy clause, which is worth between £20m and £25m, if they finish 14th or above in the Premier League this season. The Blues are currently fourth - with 49 points - and nine games still to be played.
Sancho shows true Chelsea colours
Speaking to the official Chelsea website upon his arrival in west London, Sancho showed his true colours. He said: "London is where I grew up and I'm happy to be back.
"Chelsea is iconic. My idols growing up were Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and now I have the opportunity to play for this club like them. It's a great feeling."
Maresca makes feelings on Sancho clear
In September, Maresca made his feelings for Sancho clear. The Italian said: "Very happy, very happy for him. He was very good. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.
"This is what I thought when I spoke with him before he joined us.
"Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play. Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him.
"As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many times in the past. I know what he can give us."
Ratcliffe questions Man Utd transfer
In an interview with BBC Sport earlier this month, Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned why United signed Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for £73m. The British billionaire said: "If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn't buy, we're buying Antony, we're buying Casemiro, we're buying [Andre] Onana, we're buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we're buying [Jadon] Sancho.
"These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we've inherited those things, and have to sort it out. For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we're paying £17m to buy him in the summer. It takes time for us to move away from the past into a new place in the future."
Chelsea given Sancho transfer lifeline
Shortly after Ratcliffe's bombshell interview, The Independent revealed that Chelsea can back out of the deal to sign Sancho on a permanent basis by paying a penalty fee. The exact amount remains unknown, but the sum has been described as a 'significant portion' of the pre-agreed £25m.
Man Utd grant Amorim final say
According to ESPN, United will let Ruben Amorim have the final say on Sancho's future - in the unlikely event that he returns to Old Trafford this summer. The winger has showed flashes of promise at Chelsea, but he's struggled to maintain a rich vein of form.
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