As the transfer window approaches its closing hours, Chelsea is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Manchester United for the acquisition of Jadon Sancho. The 24-year-old winger, who previously made headlines with his stellar performances at Borussia Dortmund, is eager to secure a move to Stamford Bridge. The proposed deal involves an initial loan with an obligation for Chelsea to make the transfer permanent next summer, though negotiations are still ongoing regarding the final fee.
Sancho’s return to Manchester United’s first-team training earlier this summer marked the end of a tumultuous period that began with his refusal to apologize to manager Erik ten Hag after a public dispute in September 2023. Despite his return, Sancho has been conspicuously absent from United’s squad for their opening Premier League fixtures, a decision Ten Hag attributed to an ear infection and the challenge of fitting all his attacking options into the squad.
During the second half of the previous season, Sancho was loaned back to Dortmund, where he managed to score three goals in 21 appearances, playing a key role in the club’s journey to the Champions League final. However, his form at United since his £85 million move from Dortmund in 2021 has not lived up to expectations. As one of the highest earners in United’s squad, Sancho has faced increasing competition from the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Amad Diallo, making it difficult for him to secure a regular starting spot.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market this summer, having already signed 11 new players, including Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Filip Jorgensen. The Blues are also eyeing a potential move for Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been their top target throughout the summer. Osimhen, a 25-year-old Nigerian international, is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea is hoping to secure his signature before the transfer window slams shut.
If Osimhen agrees to fit into Chelsea’s team and their incentive-based wage structure, the club is expected to advance talks with Napoli to finalize the deal. Osimhen’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, with interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, but Chelsea remains confident in their pursuit.
The urgency of these negotiations reflects the broader strategy of Chelsea’s management, who are determined to build a squad capable of challenging for titles on multiple fronts. With the clock ticking down on the transfer window, the coming hours will be crucial in determining whether Chelsea can successfully bolster their squad with the likes of Sancho and Osimhen, adding significant firepower to their attacking lineup.
The situation surrounding Sancho’s potential move is emblematic of the high-stakes nature of transfer deadline day, where clubs scramble to secure the final pieces of their squad puzzles. For Chelsea, the acquisition of Sancho would not only provide them with an additional attacking option but also serve as a statement of intent as they continue their aggressive push to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in English and European football.
As the transfer window draws to a close, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Chelsea can finalize these deals and what impact they will have on the club’s fortunes in the coming season.Al Ahli has reportedly reached an agreement with Brentford for the signing of Ivan Toney, with the deal valued at €40 million (£33.6 million). Toney has already agreed to personal terms with the Saudi Pro League club and is set to undergo a medical examination before finalizing the move.
Throughout the night, meetings were held at Brentford’s training ground, Jersey Road, where Toney met with senior staff to discuss the transfer. The 28-year-old striker, who was notably absent from Brentford’s matchday squads for their Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, is expected to make the move to Al Ahli imminently. This absence had sparked speculation about his future, which was later confirmed by reports from The Athletic highlighting Al Ahli’s interest.
Toney’s current contract with Brentford has one year remaining, and the club had been considering their options. Rather than allowing Toney to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in 11 months, Brentford preferred to sell him this summer to secure what they believe is fair market value. This move is a significant decision for the club, as Toney has been a key player for Brentford since his arrival from Peterborough United in 2020, during which time he scored an impressive 72 goals in 141 appearances.
Toney’s departure comes after a tumultuous period in his career, including an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules, which kept him out of action until January. Despite the ban, Toney managed to score four goals in 17 Premier League appearances by the end of the 2023-24 season, showcasing his resilience and ability to perform at a high level even after such a setback.
The transfer also raises questions about Al Ahli’s other potential deals, particularly their interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. With Toney’s arrival, it remains to be seen how this will impact their pursuit of the Nigerian striker, who has been a top target for several clubs this summer.
For Brentford, the sale of Toney leaves a significant gap in their attacking lineup. The club had signed Igor Thiago as a potential successor to Toney, but a knee injury has ruled him out until late 2024, complicating Brentford’s plans. This injury has likely intensified the urgency for Brentford to find a solution in the transfer market before the window closes.
