How Chelsea will line up with Jadon Sancho

Muhammad Butt

Updated: 29 Aug 2024 11:11 BST
5 min read

Jadon Sancho could be on the verge of a sensational move across the Premier League from Manchester United to Chelsea.

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The Man Utd winger is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford under manager Erik ten Hag, and so a move away has long been mooted after the pair fell out.

Sancho spent the latter half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the German side reach the Champions League final only to lose to Real Madrid.

Still, the move reignited interest in signing Sancho and Juventus looked to be the side set to snag his signature.

Thiago Motta's men have started Serie A in the most resplendent of form, winning their first two matches 3-0. And they were keen to add Sancho to their squad to provide depth and experience to a largely young attacking corps.

However, the Old Lady of Turin has been upstaged by the Pensioners of West London, as Chelsea now seems to be Sancho's preferred destination this summer. Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, for his part, seems keen on the move.

"If we can sign a player who can help us, for sure I want it," said Maresca in a press conference. "I know Jadon very well from many years with [Manchester] City. I know him very well. But he is not our player. We will see what happens."

© IMAGO - Enzo Maresca seems to want Jadon Sancho.

How will Chelsea line up with Jadon Sancho?

Robert Sanchez will retain his place in goal by virtue of having no real challengers. It's possible that Chelsea will look to upgrade on him next year but for now, he's the man.

Right-back will be an alternating role between club captain Reece James or, when James is injured, Malo Gusto. Given how often James gets hurt expect to see a lot of Gusto.

Centre-back should see Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill play the majority of the games though don't rule out new signing Tosin Adarbioyo just yet either. And even though Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah are unwanted, Benoit Badiashile is still around too.

Left-back is Marc Cucurella's spot to lose. Maresca has made it clear Chilwell isn't in his plans so the Euro 2024 final assist-maker has a free run on the left.

The double pivot will see Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez as the starting duo with Romeo Lavia as their primary back-up. This is the strongest unit in the Chelsea team and if they're not clicking it's probably Maresca's fault.

Cole Palmer should move into a more central role this season as Chelsea look to maximise his creative potential while minimising his defensive workload. Christopher Nkunku exists as a different kind of 10 should Palmer return to the wing.

© IMAGO - Cole Palmer could play more centrally this season.

Speaking of the wing, Noni Madueke's hat-trick should see him own the right-wing slot though Pedro Neto is capable of playing here as well.

Sancho would slot into the side as a left-winger, adding dribbling and creativity to the Chelsea side. Sancho is also a good stylistic match for Cole Palmer should the Blues ever need to replace their penalty-taking phenom due to injury or suspension.

Up-front Nicolas Jackson is still the incumbent with Marc Guiu as his back-up. Chelsea's pursuit of Samu Omorodion collapsed and Victor Osimhen appears to be headed to Saudi Arabia, so Jackson gets another go to prove he has what it takes.

GK: Robert Sanchez

RB: Malo Gusto

CB: Wesley Fofana

CB: Levi Colwill

LB: Marc Cucurella

CDM: Moises Caicedo

CDM: Enzo Fernandez

CAM: Cole Palmer

RW: Noni Madueke

LW: Jadon Sancho

ST: Nicolas Jackson