Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed claims that he warned Jadon Sancho he was playing for his future at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer, with the initial agreement including a mandatory purchase clause worth around £25 million. However, it has since been revealed that the Blues have the option to back out of the deal and return the winger to United for just £5 million.
The club has yet to make a final decision on the 25-year-old, who has registered three goals and ten assists in 34 appearances so far this season.
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Sancho has recently hit a patch of strong form, contributing three assists in two Conference League matches against Legia Warsaw and netting a brilliant goal to earn a point against Ipswich Town. Despite the timing, Maresca denied that this resurgence was sparked by any ultimatum from the coaching staff.
“The only thing we said to Jadon, and to all our attacking players, is that we need more—more goals and more assists,” Maresca explained. “Jadon has improved in recent games, but we expect contributions from everyone—Nico [Jackson], Cole [Palmer], Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto], and Enzo [Fernandez], who is doing well—whoever gets into the box.”
Even if Chelsea decide to activate the purchase clause, Sancho’s long-term future at the club remains unclear. Reports suggest he is keen on a return to the Bundesliga, with a move back to Borussia Dortmund believed to be his preferred option.
A return to Manchester United appears unlikely, due to his strained relationship with the squad and high wages—factors that point towards a permanent departure this summer.
