Chelsea have made it clear to Jadon Sancho that he must accept a significant pay cut if he wants to make his stay at Stamford Bridge permanent.

The 24-year-old winger joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United last summer and endured a mixed campaign under Enzo Maresca. While Sancho struggled for consistency, he played a key role in Chelsea’s strong finish to the season, helping the Blues secure a top-four finish and clinch the Europa Conference League title.

Sancho, who scored a crucial goal off the bench in the 4-1 Conference League final victory over Real Betis, is reportedly keen to stay at Chelsea—his boyhood club. However, Chelsea’s strict wage structure presents a major hurdle.

According to talkSPORT, the Blues have informed Sancho and his representatives that any permanent deal hinges on the player accepting a reduced salary. Sancho currently earns around £300,000 per week at Manchester United—well above Chelsea’s wage model, which focuses on long-term, incentivised contracts with lower base pay.

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea have opened formal talks with Sancho’s camp in a bid to strike a deal. While Chelsea had agreed a purchase option of £20–25 million when the loan was signed, it was later revealed that the club can opt out of the obligation by paying United £5 million in compensation.

With a return to Manchester United highly unlikely, Sancho is reportedly eager to secure a permanent move to west London. But unless he agrees to a significant pay cut, Chelsea may walk away from the deal.

Asked about Sancho’s future after the final in Wroclaw, head coach Enzo Maresca said:

“We are going to sit with the club and decide what happens for next year.

“If we finish fourth it is also because of Jadon, if we win tonight it is also because of Jadon. It is normal in a season to go a little bit up and down.”

Sancho’s future now hangs in the balance, with negotiations ongoing. A deal remains possible—but only if the England international is willing to compromise on wages to continue his Chelsea journey.