“We’ll see” – Enzo Maresca coy on Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea future amid break clause rumours

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has refused to be drawn into speculation regarding Jadon Sancho’s future at the club amid rumours suggesting he could return to Manchester United this summer.

The Italian admitted that Sancho could improve his performances but insisted now isn’t the time to discuss the player’s Chelsea future.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Manchester United last summer with a £25 million purchase obligation.

Sancho enjoyed a bright start to life in London, but his influence has waned over the past few months, sparking rumours that the Blues could activate a break clause in their deal with United.

While Chelsea negotiated a purchase obligation, the Blues could opt out of the deal for a £5m penalty fee.

Sancho has tallied just two goals and seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. 

He’s currently on an 18-game goal drought, and the last time he contributed an assist was in January.

When asked about the possibility of keeping Sancho permanently, Maresca deflected, insisting that his primary focus is on the remaining nine games of the season.

“I’m completely focused about nine games,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference. “Two months to go – I’m completely focused on that. Then what happens in summer, we’ll see.

“The Jadon situation doesn’t change. In terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt. It is not just about Jadon, but we have more players in the same situation.”

Maresca also addressed reports that he cancelled a scheduled day off for players not on international duty last week after the first team suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against the club’s Under-21s.

The Italian tactician admitted the players fell short of his ‘high standards’ but then played down the situation by adding it was ‘normal for the players to be relaxed’ during the international break.

Chelsea will be looking to strengthen their top-four push when they take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.