Jadon Sancho to Chelsea: Athletic 500 transfer ratings

Chelsea have signed Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on loan, which includes an obligation to buy next summer.

Our writers – experts in transfers, tactics, data and football finance – have come together to assess this summer’s Premier League transfers across five categories, with each aspect given a score out of 100 to reach an overall score of 500. Therefore, The Athletic 500The assessments are explained in more detail here (not all transfers are assessed as there may be a lack of data to support an analysis).

Below you will find our review for this move.

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Tactical fit: 75/100

A look at how the player fits tactically at his new club, using Sentient Sports’ bespoke tactical fit model, explained by our tactical expert.

Sancho performs well in tight spaces, making him useful in situations where teams defend in a low block. His close control and ability to play quick, short passes allows him to move through crowded areas.

As we see in this 4-0 Borussia Dortmund win over Cologne in January, Sancho is one-on-one with Rasmus Carstensen. He initially tries to drive to the byline for a cross, but lures Carstensen by showing him the ball. Sancho then quickly changes direction and passes him. This results in a foul on Carstensen and a penalty is awarded.

Sancho’s versatility in the front line offers tactical flexibility; although a left winger, he can also play on the right or as a false nine. In the latter role, Sancho can drop deeper into midfield, play between the lines and help create overloads.

His intelligence in creating space and linking up with teammates could give Chelsea a more fluid and unpredictable attack, especially when combined with the likes of Noni Madueke or the recently signed Pedro Neto.

Statistically, Sancho excels in progressive carries into the final third, with a rate of 3.2 per 90 minutes which places him in the 85th percentile, and in shot-creating actions, where he averages 4.7 per 90 minutes, which places him in the 76th percentile among his position mates. These figures reflect his ability to move the ball into dangerous areas and create chances.

As can be seen in the graph below, Sancho was one of the most prolific dribblers in Europe last season. He maintained a high pass completion rate of over 50 percent, while attempting approximately five passes per 90 minutes. This places Sancho in the top right quadrant.

Sancho’s game is not without limitations, however. He lacks the explosive speed often required of wide players in the Premier League, making it difficult for him to consistently beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

Sancho also has a tendency to be dispossessed when playing centrally, often looking to the right — a move that can become predictable and easy to defend. His vulnerability in these situations could be a concern.

Furthermore, Sancho’s defensive contributions may be minimal, which could be a major issue under Enzo Maresca, who demands a high workload from all of his players, including wingers. Sancho’s lack of defensive support could make him a less attractive option for a manager who values ​​a collective defensive effort, particularly in a system that requires wide players to run back and assist in pressing.

Given these strengths and weaknesses, Sancho would probably be best suited to Chelsea on the left side of the attack (or in midfield) or as a ‘false nine’. In these roles, he can operate in areas where his technical skills can be used to their full potential, without having to rely too much on pace.

As a false nine, his ability to drop deep and connect the game would benefit Chelsea. Maresca likes to create central overloads when attacking the opposition.

In the left winger role, Sancho would be able to operate in the half-space, working with the left winger and full-back to create overloads and cut inside with his stronger right leg.

The competition for a place at Chelsea is fierce, however, with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix all vying for similar roles. Sancho will need to perform consistently to secure a regular starting position. He may also need to improve his work rate out of possession.

Gillian Kasirye

Season rating: 63/100

Rate the player over the past season, using statistics from The Athletics‘S data team.

Sancho endured a tough season that began with limited playing time at United and growing tension with manager Erik ten Hag. His exclusion from matchday squads and a strained relationship with the manager led to him being loaned out to Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the season in January.

Returning to the club where he had previously made his name, Sancho made an immediate impact by assisting Marco Reus in a win against Darmstadt. His performances in the Bundesliga were good, but it was in the Champions League that he shone. In the semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Sancho completed 12 dribbles, the most at that stage of the competition since Lionel Messi in 2008.

Sancho reached his first Champions League final with Dortmund, but the team lost to Real Madrid.

Despite his strong finish to the season, Sancho was not selected for England’s squad for the European Championship in June.

In total, Sancho played 24 games for Manchester United and Dortmund, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Gillian Kasirye

Gaming Rating: 80/100

Rate the player based on Football Manager 2024 data at both current and potential level.

Although Sancho’s performances have declined in recent seasons, he still possesses world-class potential and has the quality to challenge for a starting position under Enzo Maresca, according to Football Manager.

Sancho has a current ability rating of 144, which is pretty much in line with Chelsea’s current options. Christopher Nkunku is Maresca’s best forward on FM24, with a current ability rating of 162, followed by Joao Felix (153), Nicolas Jackson (147), Cole Palmer (140), Noni Madueke (139) and Mykhailo Mudryk (139).

However, should Sancho find a home at Stamford Bridge, Sports Interactive’s extensive scouting network believes he could develop significantly. Sancho has a ceiling of 177, which would make him one of the best attackers in the league. Liverpool’s star striker Mohamed Salah, for example, has a rating of 180.

Elias Burke

Financial Value Rating: 52/100

A four-category summary of the player’s transfer in financial terms – and whether it makes sense for his new club

Market Value — 14/25

Just a few years ago, Sancho was regarded as one of the most exciting young players in his position and his £73m move from Dortmund to United reflected that status. Three years later, his value has plummeted, creating an intriguing market opportunity for Chelsea. If Sancho can revive his career at Stamford Bridge, the fee could prove to be a bargain. However, Sancho has yet to demonstrate his quality in England and United’s willingness to part ways for considerably less than what they paid reflects his diminished status.

Squad Costs — 11/25

Sancho is one of four experienced attackers to sign for Chelsea this summer, joining an already strong front line of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson. He will face intense competition for his position, and while Chelsea won’t pay the same salary he earned at United, he is another expensive player who may not play consistently.

Contract sensitivity — 13/25

With a long-term contract likely to follow the purchase commitment, Sancho will have time to fulfil his potential at Stamford Bridge, but it could still prove a costly wage if he fails to force his way into Maresca’s plans. It’s a risk.

Resale Value — 14/25

Sancho is still only 24 and he could find a situation where he rediscovers the level he showed at Borussia Dortmund before joining United and in loan spells in Germany at Stamford Bridge last season. If he can return to that level for Chelsea, his value will skyrocket again. However, given his struggles at United, there are no guarantees that this will happen.

Elias Burke

Risk or Reward? 66/100

Is there a history of injuries or other issues that could crop up and make this deal a bad one in retrospect? Or does the player come away with a clean bill of health? Our expert takes a look.

Sancho has not suffered any major injuries in his career, apart from a thigh injury that kept him out for six weeks in 2021. However, there are other reasons why it is difficult to judge whether this is a good signing.

At first glance, the Englishman looks like an upgrade on Chelsea’s left wing. Mudryk hasn’t done much to justify his price tag or a starting spot, while Nkunku seems more comfortable in a No. 10 role. Pedro Neto is another option, but in Maresca’s system he seems far more suited to playing on the right.

Sancho showed during his first spell at Dortmund that he can be a consistently productive striker, but there has been no sign of that at Old Trafford. Admittedly, United have struggled since his arrival, but his split with Ten Hag and his goal-scoring decline (12 in 83 games in all competitions) are cause for concern. The positivity surrounding his second spell at Dortmund was overblown, and only a handful of his 21 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League have been truly memorable.

Sancho will likely see this as an opportunity to cement his credentials as one of England’s best wingers and perhaps it will bring out the best in him. Chelsea are set to receive his services without paying any fee in advancewhich removes some direct risks, although the obligation to buy could be a problem if his performances are not good enough. Whether they can provide the stable and nurturing environment that Sancho has generally needed to flourish during his career is another question.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

Overall rating: 336/500

(Photo: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)