As deadline day approaches, Chelsea and Manchester United find themselves in similar situations to offload wingers who have been phased out of the first team. Consequently, a unique transfer opportunity between the two clubs has arisen for a lucrative swap deal regarding Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.
Chelsea in Discussions for Jadon Sancho Swap Deal: Raheem Sterling to Manchester United
Chelsea Monitoring Jadon Sancho Situation
According to the illustrious journalist Fabrizio Romano: “Chelsea consider Sancho an opportunity for a swap deal” and “want to include Sterling” in any potential transfer exchange. Chelsea have been in the market for a right-footed winger all summer, and Sterling’s recent first-team separation suggests a likely transfer exit.
Both English wingers share similar dilemmas heading into this year’s Premier League season, as Sancho has also been exiled from United’s first-team squad. Furthermore, both players are on astronomical wages which limits potential suitors.
Read More: Romelu Lukaku Poised For Italy Return Under Antonio Conte’s Guidance: A New Chapter Awaits
As a result, there is a unique opportunity for both parties to find solutions for their expensive deadwood. A potential swap deal that would see Sancho join Chelsea and Sterling join United offers both players a fresh start to reignite their careers. Similarly, both clubs find solutions to offload pricey players who aren’t even featuring for their respective first teams anyway.
However, straight swap deals are very complicated to pull off and therefore rarely ever happen. Differing transfer valuations and player wages lead to many stumbling blocks for clubs to sort out, and the complex facets of the deal are often disagreed upon. The latest notable swap deal that happened in the Premier League was the infamous Alexis Sanchez – Henrikh Mkhitaryan transfer, which didn’t end well for either player.
What Sancho Could Bring to Chelsea
Sancho is one of the league’s most polarising players. Throughout his time spent at United, Sancho was widely labelled as a lazy winger who didn’t provide adequate end product. On the other hand, his performances for Borussia Dortmund displayed his ability to take over games by creating countless chances. In last year’s loan spell, Sancho was also one of Dortmund’s leading catalysts throughout their Champions League campaign.
Additionally, Sancho fits the type of winger profile that Maresca admires for his system. The Italian loves direct wingers who thrive in one-on-one scenarios, as displayed in Noni Madueke’s hat-trick performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Likewise, Sancho’s astute dribbling abilities are a huge strength of his, suggesting that he would be a good fit for Maresca’s system.
Read More: Chelsea ‘Make Move’ To Sign £50 Million-Rated Premier League Striker
However, the United winger would have to significantly improve his off the ball work rate. Maresca demands that every one of his players must track back and contribute defensively, which has been one of Sancho’s main criticisms. The emphasis on a positional style of play also highlights that everybody needs to be in the right place at the right time, further accentuating the need for a relentless work rate.
