Chelsea could be required to pay £5 million in compensation to Manchester United if they choose not to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis this summer.
The England international joined Chelsea on loan in August, with the agreement including an obligation to buy for a fee between £20 million and £25 million, provided the London club finishes at least 14th in the Premier League table.
Currently, Chelsea sit fourth in the standings, with nine matches remaining in the 2024/25 season—well above the agreed threshold.
However, according to a report by The Athletic, now confirmed by sources familiar with the deal, the agreement also contains a release clause that would allow Chelsea to return Sancho to Old Trafford by paying a £5 million compensation fee to Manchester United.
While Chelsea officials have stated they are not considering activating the release clause, uncertainty remains over whether Sancho will stay at Stamford Bridge beyond this season.