Summer will decide: Enzo Maresca casts doubt over Jadon Sancho’s future

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has refused to clarify Jadon Sancho’s future at the club but has claimed the winger “could do better” at Stamford Bridge.

Sancho joined Chelsea from United in January as part of a complex loan deal. The Blues are obliged to buy the 25-year-old for a fee between £20 million ($26m) and £25m ($32m) in the summer. However, within the deal, there is a penalty clause, meaning Chelsea could pay United £5m in order to send Sancho back to Manchester.

The England international started his loan spell brightly, providing four assist in his first three games. However, Sancho in his 16 league starts for the Blues has contributed just two goals and five assists.

He has not registered a goal involvement since January 4, when he assisted the Blues’ only strike in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Jadon Sancho of Chelsea claps the fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on September 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

On Sancho’s future, Maresca told reporters: “All the players that are with us, I love all of them, but in this moment it’s the moment to finish well and then it’s not the moment to think about next season. I’m completely focused about nine games, two months to go, I’m completely focused about that. Then what happens in summer, we’ll see. But all the ones that are here, I want them happy to be here.”

Asked if he had a message for Sancho, he said: “To be honest, probably you have more news than me in terms of Jadon. For me, Jadon’s situation doesn’t change, he’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 a Jadon 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.”

Sancho will be eager to get back on track on Thursday when Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. The Englishman scored in the reverse fixture against Spurs.