The future of Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho remains up in the air heading into the summer, with it remaining unclear as to whether he has a future with parent club, Manchester United.
When Sancho arrived on loan from the Red Devils, it seemed like a fresh start – an opportunity to rebuild his career at a club desperate for attacking spark. Instead, it’s been more of the same. Since January, he hasn’t registered a goal or an assist, and with a £25 million obligation to buy hanging over Chelsea, the club has a decision to make.
To get a better sense of what’s gone wrong for Sancho—and where Chelsea should be looking in the transfer market—we spoke to former Blues midfielder Gus Poyet.
Sancho’s Struggles: A Player Who Needs the Right Setup
Poyet, who knows the game from both a player’s and a coach’s perspective, sees Sancho’s inconsistency as a problem Chelsea should’ve expected.
“Sancho is one of those players who, when he’s in form, looks like a game-changer. He’ll have three or four great games, and suddenly, people are saying he’s back. But then he goes quiet for a few weeks, and the doubts creep in again,” Poyet says.
He points to the way top managers use players like Sancho – not as guaranteed starters, but as tactical options for certain situations.
“Look at Pep Guardiola. He’ll play John Stones or Ruben Dias five games in a row, then leave them out for the next five. It’s about knowing when to use them. Sancho might be that kind of player—someone you have to challenge, someone who needs to feel like he’s got something to prove.”
The problem? Chelsea don’t have the luxury of treating Sancho as a rotation player. If they go through with the deal, it’s a long-term commitment, and right now, it’s hard to argue he’s done enough to justify that investment.
Chelsea’s Bigger Issue: A Striker Shortage
Sancho’s future isn’t the only headache for Chelsea. Despite spending big on attacking players, they still don’t have a proven, reliable goal-scorer.
Nicolas Jackson started the season well, but injuries and inconsistency have taken a toll. Reports suggest Chelsea are eyeing Alexander Isak—a striker who has been instrumental in Newcastle’s resurgence.
Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has scored 58 goals in 100 appearances, helping Newcastle win their first major trophy in 70 years. Poyet has long been an admirer.
“I liked Isak even before he moved to Newcastle. He’s a proper number nine. He knows how to lead the line, and he scores goals,” Poyet says.
But signing a striker of Isak’s calibre comes with complications – especially for Jackson. Would he be willing to share the spotlight?
“At a big club, the number nine wants to play every week. If Isak arrives, Jackson has to understand his role. If he doesn’t, it can cause problems. It depends on his personality, but competition is part of football,” Poyet adds.
A Defining Summer for Chelsea
Whatever Chelsea decide, they can’t afford another season of uncertainty. If they keep Sancho, they need to find a way to get the best out of him. If they sign a striker, they need to be sure it’s the right one.
Poyet sums it up simply: “This season, the excuse has been that they’re young, that they need time. But next season? No more excuses. Chelsea have to deliver.”
With major decisions ahead, the pressure is on. Will they take the gamble on Sancho? Will they finally land a top-class striker? One thing is clear – this summer will define Chelsea’s future.
