Chelsea have finally announced that they have signed Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a season-long loan deal.
Throughout transfer deadline day, the Blues were being heavily linked with a move for the England international, with the assumption being earlier in the month that Raheem Sterling would need to go in the opposite direction.
However, despite it becoming clear on Friday that the 29-year-old would be signing for Arsenal, Chelsea were able to proceed with a move for Sancho.
Despite having put forward a Premier League registration request before the 11pm deadline on Friday, an official announcement about a signing did not follow.
Nevertheless, that finally came just after 7.30pm, BST, on Saturday evening with the 24-year-old pictured in a Chelsea shirt, the West Londoners also acknowledging that they had an obligation to buy the player next summer.
Welcome to Chelsea, Jadon! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9VvrOR77lk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2024
Sancho talks up Chelsea move
Either side of a successful loan stint with Borussia Dortmund, Sancho has endured a frustrating period at United having fallen out of favour with Erik ten Hag.
Even after reconciling with the Dutchman, the attacker was left out of the first two Premier League squads, acting as a catalyst for his departure.
Sancho remains confident of making an impact under Enzo Maresca, though, having revealed that he feels that he is being signed to take advantage of his attributes.
Speaking to the club's official website: "They're signing me for a reason and to contribute to the team, and I'm ready to do that.
"I enjoy his style of play. The wingers when they get on the ball, he loves them to go one versus one and be direct. We play a lot of one-twos with the 10s and the striker combination plays. It's very attractive and it's a style that I play."
He added: "He spoke to me on the phone about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself it's exciting and I can't wait to get started."
© Imago
When could Sancho make his debut?
Sancho is not in contention to make his debut against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon having been signed so late on deadline day.
Chelsea are then not back in action until September 14, when they square off against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the Saturday evening kickoff in the Premier League.
Realistically, a first start for a player who has just seven minutes of competitive football under his belt this season may come versus Barrow in the EFL Cup the following week.
Darren Plant
