Man Utd told to be suspicious of problematic Jadon Sancho plan that will cost Chelsea £5m
Jadon Sancho has an option to return to Manchester United at the end of the season and a former player believes Chelsea will avoid signing him permanently for £25m this summer
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has cast doubt on Chelsea's intent to make Jadon Sancho's move permanent. The winger made the switch to Chelsea on loan on deadline day last August, when it was said that the deal would require them to buy Sancho for £25million this summer.
The agreement was believed to be dependent on the condition that Enzo Maresca's side finish 14th or higher in the Premier League this season. Currently positioned fourth, Chelsea appear certain to hit that trigger, but recent reports suggest they could opt out by paying United £5m in compensation instead.
Former Red Devils keeper Foster, who played at Old Trafford from 2005 to 2010, suspects Chelsea will pay the lesser fee and avoid taking on a player who hasn't had the best season at Stamford Bridge. He also expressed his view that Sancho's wages could be the biggest problem preventing his departure from United.
"I would be very surprised if Chelsea took up that option (to buy him) and paid the money," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast. "He's been okay this season, but Jadon Sancho hasn't ripped up any trees. If he did rip up trees, £25million is a snip in today's market.
"But I think he's started 17 games for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and only got two goals and four assists. It's not what you want and it's not enough really. He probably is going to go back to Man United and Chelsea are going to have to pay £5million to send a player back.
"The problem is the wages are £200,000 a week apparently, so he's going to go back to Manchester United, and he's probably going to do something similar to what he's done at Chelsea. He'll start off the games and he'll do okay, but it's not going to be enough."
Meanwhile, Chelsea's head coach has downplayed discussions surrounding Sancho's performance this week. Addressing reporters on Wednesday morning, Maresca commented on the situation after being questioned about any advice he might have for the forward.
He said: "No but, to be honest, probably you have more news than me, in terms of Jadon. For me, Jadon's situation doesn't change; it's exactly the same. For sure, in terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt, but it's not just about Jadon; I think we have more players in the same situation.
"Now, I don't need to give Jadon a message because I speak with Jadon every day. I had a conversation yesterday with him. He has just to continue to give his best until the end, and this is what we want from Jadon."
Meanwhile, it's been reported that Chelsea will take their time to assess Sancho's future despite mounting speculation that he could return to United. The player himself does not envisage going back to Old Trafford and is understood to be happy at Stamford Bridge.
United are currently paying a significant portion of his £250,000-a-week wages. The prospect of Chelsea paying the termination fee is far from guaranteed at this stage given Sancho remains a regular starter under Maresca
Chelsea also negotiated the initial agreement with the intention of signing him permanently. There has been no clear indication they will abandon ship at present despite holding the option to do so
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