Jadon Sancho could move to Saudi Arabia this summer after Chelsea denied a chance to sign a player left out by Manchester United. The England international has fallen into another uncertain situation after the Blues refused to meet the demands in his contract.
Chelsea have decided to pay Man United a £5 million fine for failing to fulfill their £25 million purchase obligation under a loan deal agreed last summer.
In a statement posted on social media, Sancho shared: "I am grateful for the past time. Sending my deepest condolences to everyone at Chelsea, my teammates, the coaching staff and the fans who have made me feel like I'm at home. Wishing the club all the best for the future. Thank you very much. Thank you The Blues".
The 25-year-old striker had a poor season at Stamford Bridge. However, Sancho scored in the Blues' victory in the Europa Conference League final last week.
Coach Enzo Maresca really wants to keep this winger but Chelsea's board does not want to. The Stamford Bridge side did not agree to pay Sancho around £300,000 a week.
In the context of Sancho's departure, Chelsea is rushing to strengthen the attack with the upcoming contract announced as striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. In addition, The Blues are also chasing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig to prepare for the first Champions League campaign under Maresca.
The Red Devils have been embroiled in a discussion over whether they will pay the remaining salary in Sancho's contract, which expires next summer.
However, Man United chose not to intervene, instead pocketing £5 million and hoping to sell Sancho to another team. The "Red Devils" still owe Dortmund nearly £17 million in unpaid fees from a £75 million contract to sign Sancho in 2021.
No top European club would consider signing Sancho for that salary. Sancho also refused a salary reduction at Chelsea and still wants to enjoy the same treatment as at Old Trafford.
That means Sancho's potential destination this summer could be Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr all interested. Sancho has a connection to senior figures in the Saudi Pro League who could help promote a deal. That will be good news for Man United.
Coach Ruben Amorim has no intention of bringing him back to the squad as they are pushing for a deal with Bryan Mbeumo after getting Matheus Cunha.
Man United are looking to sell players to raise more money for the summer reconstruction process. They are hoping to earn some money from Sancho. They hope Saudi Arabia's offer can at least be as good as the £25 million under Chelsea.
But the £5 million bonus he has received still helps Man United balance their budget. This money could be used to pay Sancho at another club if M.U cannot sell them.
Man United did not want to loan Sancho out in the final year of his contract and let him go without getting anything next summer. Of course, the player did not mind the idea as he would be selected for the right club next summer.
