Manchester United may have another avenue to facilitate a Jadon Sancho transfer exit from Old Trafford if Chelsea are successful in their bid to sign a winger this summer
Chelsea could still hold the key to Jadon Sancho's future, even after deciding to not to make the Manchester United winger's loan move permanent. The Blues opted to pay £5million to the Red Devils in order to avoid signing Sancho after being unable to come to terms with the 25-year-old.
And as Chelsea look at alternatives to reinforce their options on the wing, one could yet impact the United ace. The west London side are among those looking to secure a deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens.
The 20-year-old is already said to have agreed a seven-year deal with Enzo Maresca's team as they attempt to persuade Dortmund of the move. Chelsea have already tabled a bid of £29.5million as they rush to get a deal done in time for the Club World Cup; the first part of the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Gittens scored 12 goals and made five assists last term as he lit up the early parts of the Champions League by bagging four goals in the opening five matches. The ex-Manchester City youngster still has three years remaining on his contract and a £50m release clause however.
Crucially, Dortmund will require a replacement if Gittens does depart. Sancho could prove to be an option to arrive for his third spell with the club.
The England international arrived at Old Trafford from Dortmund in a £73m deal and returned to the Westfalenstadion on loan in January 2024 after falling out with Erik ten Hag. Sancho has little future at United.
Dortmund have asked to be kept up to date on any developments over Sancho's future, per reports, and are one of a number of clubs around Europe interested in a deal. The player's salary could yet prove problematic for United getting the player off of their books however and another loan could yet be looked at.
Sancho helped Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League and qualify for the Champions League as he made 45 appearances. But his five goals and 10 assists reflected a steady season rather than spectacular one.
Any move from Dortmund would likely first require Gittens exit. The Bundesliga giants are also looking to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland with a £31m deal said to be agreed.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl has admitted that Gittens has drawn interest. However, the former midfielder has also warned the club are looking to reduce their wage bill.
He said: "There’s definitely a market for him [Gittens]. He’s a very exciting player. We’ll be having discussions soon. If offers come in, we’ll have to deal with them."
"We want to reduce wages," Kehl added. "That said, it’s possible we’ll continue with some of these players. But some may no longer be part of the BVB squad next season."