The penalty for liquidated damages of 5 million pounds cannot solve the high salary dilemma! Sancho returns to Manchester United and becomes a "hot potato"!

On June 11, 2025, the Chelsea Club of the Premier League officially announced that England winger Jayden Sancho had left the team after his loan period and returned to Manchester United. Behind this seemingly conventional loan transaction, there is a complex entanglement of £5 million liquidated damages, sky-high weekly salary and career confusion.

The game behind a "win-win" game

According to Chelsea's official statement, Sancho's loan contract originally contained a mandatory buyout clause of 25 million pounds, but because the two sides failed to reach an agreement on salary, the Blues chose to give up the buyout right and instead paid Manchester United a penalty of 5 million pounds. This deal seems to be a "stop loss" - Chelsea avoids taking on possible high salaries in the future, while Manchester United resolves the "hot potato" with only one year left in the contract. But for Sancho, this is more like a "passive choice": he has played 5 goals and 9 assists for Chelsea this season, helping the team secure the Champions League qualification and win the UEFA Champions League championship, but after the loan period ends, he still has to face Manchester United's "high-paying trap".

High salary becomes a shackle: Who is paying for Sancho's plight?

Sancho's weekly salary is more than £300,000, which is far beyond the average level of Premier League wingers. During the loan period, Chelsea only bears part of its salary, and the rest is still paid by Manchester United. Now that we have returned to Old Trafford, Manchester United's management is obviously unwilling to continue to bear this burden. According to British media, potential homes include West Ham United and Leverkusen, but all clubs are discouraged due to salary issues. Even the Saudi League giants hesitated because they "cannot match Manchester United's salary."

More ironic, Sancho's "maximum salary" label originated from Manchester United's introduction from Dortmund at a high price of 73 million pounds in 2021. Now this investment is almost "halved". If it cannot be sold this summer, Manchester United will face the risk of its free departure in 2026, with losses likely exceeding £120 million.

Future destination: Premier League, Bundesliga or the Middle East?

Although Sancho has repeatedly expressed his "desire to stay in the team", Manchester United coach Amorin's system is not compatible with his technical characteristics. Sancho, who is good at counterattacking and quick conversion, is difficult to exert his power without the support of Manchester United's strong full-backs. British media analyzed that there may be three paths in the future:

Premier League mid-range teams: Aston Villa, Newcastle United, etc. may test their attitude through loan + installment payment, but they must bear the risk of "salary bomb".

Return to the Bundesliga: Although Dortmund has shown goodwill many times, he is now more inclined toward young players; Leverkusen gave up his interest because Tenhager took office.

Saudi League: Under the temptation of high salary, clubs such as Jeddah United have extended olive branches, but the 25-year-old Sancho still hopes to continue his European career.

Why did the genius fall?

Sancho's dilemma reflects the cruel reality of professional football. From Dortmund's "happy football" to Manchester United's locker room conflicts, to Chelsea's "returns", his career has always been accompanied by labels such as "high salary and inefficiency" and "perverse personality". Fans commented on the two poles: Some people think he is "dragged by the Premier League", while others criticize him for "lack of self-discipline" - such as rumors of being late for training at Chelsea and having a tense relationship with his teammates.

Sancho's story is not only the result of personal choice, but also a microcosm of the salary bubble in European football. If he cannot find the next player who balances competitive state and business value, he may really "enter his career early at the age of 25." For Manchester United, how to deal with this "negative asset" will be one of Amorin's most difficult topics this summer.

Do you think Sancho's next step is to leave or stay? If you leave, where will you go?