Jadon Sancho to Chelsea: The Athletic 500 transfer ratings

Chelsea have signed Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy next summer.

Our writers — experts in transfers, tactics, data and football finance — have come together to rate this summer’s senior Premier League transfers in five categories, with each aspect given a score out of 100 to reach a total score out of 500. Hence, The Athletic 500. The ratings are explained in more detail here (not all transfers will be rated as there may be a lack of data to support an analysis).

Below is our rating for this move.

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Transfer news and TA500 ratings | Follow David Ornstein Join The Athletic Insiders WhatsApp channel Sign up for The Athletic FC newsletter Tactical fit: 75/100

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

Sancho does well in tight spaces, making him useful in situations where teams are defending in a low block. His close control and ability to play quick, short passes allow him to move through congested areas.

As we see in this 4-0 win for Borussia Dortmund against Cologne in January, Sancho is one-versus-one with Rasmus Carstensen. He initially aims to drive to the byline for a cross but lures Carstensen by showing him the ball. Sancho then quickly changes direction and gets past him. This draws a foul from Carstensen and a penalty is given.

Sancho’s versatility across 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 combining with team-mates could provide Chelsea with a more fluid and unpredictable attack, especially when paired with players like Noni Madueke or recent signing Pedro Neto.

Statistically, Sancho excels in progressive carries into the final third, ranking in the 85th percentile with 3.2 per 90 minutes, and in shot-creating actions, where he averages 4.7 per 90, placing him in the 76th percentile among positional peers. These numbers reflect how good he is when moving the ball into dangerous areas and creating opportunities.

As shown in the below chart, Sancho was among Europe’s most prolific dribblers last season. He maintained a high take-on success rate, exceeding 50 per cent, while attempting around five take-ons per 90 minutes. This places Sancho in the upper-right quadrant.

However, Sancho’s game is not without its limitations. He lacks the explosive speed that is often required for wide players in the Premier League, which makes 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 exit to his right — a move that can become predictable and easily defended. His vulnerability in these situations could be a concern.

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

Given these strengths and weaknesses, Sancho would likely be best utilised at Chelsea on the left side of attack (or midfield) or as a false nine, roles that allow him to operate in spaces where his technical skills can be maximised without relying heavily on pace.

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

In the left-sided attacking eight role, Sancho could operate in the half-space, combining with the left winger and full-back to create overloads and cutting inside on his stronger right foot.

However, the competition for places at Chelsea is high, with players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix all competing for similar roles. Sancho will need to deliver consistently to secure a regular starting position. He may also need to improve his out-of-possession work-rate.

Gillian Kasirye

Season rating: 63/100

Rating the player over the course of last season, using statistics from The Athletic’s data team.

Sancho had 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 fractious relationship with the manager led to him being sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the season in January.

Returning to the club where he previously made his name, Sancho made an immediate impact, assisting Marco Reus in a win against Darmstadt. His performances in the Bundesliga were good, but it was in the Champions League where 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, although the team fell short, losing to Real Madrid.

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

Over the course of 24 appearances combined for both Manchester United and Dortmund, Sancho scored three goals and assisted three.

Gillian Kasirye

Gaming rating: 80/100

Rating the player according to Football Manager 2024’s data across both current and potential ability.

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

Sancho has a current ability rating of 144, which matches up reasonably well 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 can develop considerably. Sancho has a ceiling of 177, which would make him one of the best forwards in the league. Liverpool’s star attacker 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 rated as one of the most exciting young players in his position and his £73million move from Dortmund to United reflected that standing. Three years later, his stock has plummeted, creating an intriguing market opportunity for Chelsea. If Sancho can reignite his career at Stamford Bridge, the fee could prove a bargain. However, Sancho is yet to demonstrate his quality in England and United’s willingness to part ways for significantly less than what they paid reflects his diminished status.

Squad cost — 11/25

Sancho is one of four senior attacking players to sign for Chelsea this summer, joining an already-stacked frontline of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson. He will face intense competition in his position. And while Chelsea are not paying the salary he earned at United, he is another expensive player who may not feature consistently.

Contract sensibility — 13/25

With presumably a long-term contract to follow the obligation to buy, Sancho will have time to fulfil his potential at Stamford Bridge, but it could prove another costly salary should he fail to force his way into Maresca’s plans. It’s a risk.

Resale value — 14/25

Sancho is still just 24 and he could find a situation where he re-discovers the level he displayed at Borussia Dortmund before joining United and in spells on loan in Germany last season at Stamford Bridge. Should he return to that level for Chelsea, his value will skyrocket again. However, given his struggles at United, there are no guarantees that will happen.

Elias Burke

Risk or reward? 66/100

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

Sancho has not had any major injuries across his career barring a thigh issue that kept him out for six weeks back in 2021. However, there are other reasons this is a tough signing to judge.

On the surface, the Englishman does seem like an upgrade on Chelsea’s left wing. Mudryk has not done much to justify his price tag or a starting spot, while Nkunku has looked more comfortable in the No 10 role. Pedro Neto is another option, but within Maresca’s system, he seems much better suited to playing on the right.

Sancho, during his first spell at Dortmund, showed that he can be a consistently productive forward, but there have been no signs of that at Old Trafford. Granted, United have had problems of their own since his arrival, but his fallout with Ten Hag and goal return (12 in 83 matches across competitions) are causes for concern. The positivity around his second stint at Dortmund was overstated and only a handful of his 21 appearances across the Bundesliga and Champions League were truly memorable.

Sancho will likely view this as a chance to reaffirm his credentials as one of England’s premier wingers and perhaps that could bring the best out of him. Chelsea are receiving his services without paying a fee up front, which eliminates some immediate risk, though the obligation to buy might pose an issue if his performances are not up to scratch. Whether they can offer the kind of stable and caring environment Sancho has typically needed during his career to thrive is another question.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

Overall rating: 336/500

(Photo: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)