Jadon Sancho is returning to Manchester United despite playing for his boyhood club and winning a trophy because that boyhood dream could easily be bought with some money.
That leaves Manchester United in a difficult position. Not only does Jadon Sancho return without having convinced Chelsea, but he’s also added to a growing narrative around his professionalism in England.
United will now have to find a new club willing to take him after Chelsea paid them £5 million not to buy him. But the London club’s involvement in this saga might not be over just yet.
In the complex world of football transfers, Chelsea could still play a role in helping United find a way out, even if that means simply holding the door open until his contract runs its course next year.
While Enzo Maresca’s side have moved on, their next transfer move could indirectly shape Sancho’s future.
This isn’t about any clause tied to his time at Stamford Bridge. There’s no lingering option, no formal route back into their plans. But the bigger picture gives Chelsea an unexpected influence.
The reason is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens — another winger who, like Sancho, left Man City for Borussia Dortmund. Unlike Sancho, he’s now catching Chelsea’s eye.
Fabrizio Romano recently highlighted that Bynoe-Gittens is gaining traction inside Stamford Bridge.
“Let me repeat once again how much they like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the Dortmund left-winger,” Romano reported. “Still not something close to completion but a strong name on Chelsea’s shortlist.”
If Chelsea do push ahead for Bynoe-Gittens, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Borussia Dortmund circle back to United for a deal on Sancho — one likely tilted in their financial favour.
Just like Chelsea, don’t expect this one to wrap up early. It’s the kind of move that drags into the final days, with United’s position only weakening as the deadline nears.
From United’s perspective, getting anything off the wage bill might be worth a temporary exit. A loan where they split Sancho’s salary with Dortmund could end up on the table, especially if Dortmund’s incoming funds shape the negotiation.
After failing to sway Chelsea, this might be the cleanest break available — a way for both Sancho and United to finally call time on a chapter that never found its stride.
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