How Chelsea will line up with Jadon Sancho

Updated: 31 Aug 2024 20:01 BST
4 min read

Jadon Sancho's transfer to Chelsea from Manchester United will surely be the last Premier League signing of the summer, yet it could also be one of the most significant.

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The Man Utd winger has hooked up with the Blues via a loan deal and will almost certainly remain with the Stamford Bridge outfit beyond, with an obligation-to-buy clause set to be triggered if Enzo Maresca's side finish above 15th in the Premier League. The final fee will depend on how much above this spot they finish, but it is not expected to be much more than €25 million.

It brings to an end a difficult spell at Man Utd, where he had been 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.

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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, 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 have got their man.

© IMAGO - Jadon Sancho is now a Chelsea player

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 is 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 backup. 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