Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho has drawn criticism from former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who believes the 24-year-old is repeating the mistakes that hindered his career at Manchester United. Despite showing early promise during his season-long loan at Stamford Bridge, Sancho has recently been excluded from several matchday squads by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, raising doubts about his long-term prospects at the club.
Sancho’s career has been marked by highs and lows. His £72 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United was expected to make him a star in the Premier League. However, his time at Old Trafford was plagued by inconsistency and struggles to adapt. This summer, Chelsea offered Sancho a fresh start, bringing him in on loan with an agreement to make the transfer permanent for £25 million if the team finishes in the Premier League’s top 14. This opportunity was seen as a chance for Sancho to rebuild his career, but recent developments suggest he might be failing to capitalize on it.
Initially, Sancho appeared to be making the most of his Chelsea move. He delivered assists in three consecutive games against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton, raising hopes among fans that he was finally finding his footing. However, his performances dipped in subsequent matches against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, after which Maresca reportedly sidelined him due to illness. O’Hara, though, has implied that the winger’s struggles may stem from deeper issues reminiscent of those that plagued his time at Manchester United.
O’Hara, speaking to Grosvenor Sport, expressed disappointment in Sancho’s inability to make the most of his opportunities. “Sancho was given an incredible platform at Chelsea to prove his doubters wrong and demonstrate his quality at the top level. While he initially showed glimpses of brilliance, it feels like he’s fallen back into the same patterns that held him back at United,” he said.
At Manchester United, Sancho faced similar challenges. Despite occasional flashes of quality, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the lineup, with players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony ahead of him. Ultimately, he was deemed surplus to requirements, leading to his loan move to Chelsea. Now, a similar situation appears to be unfolding, as competition from players like Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke limits his opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho has returned to training at Cobham during the November international break, sparking speculation about a possible return to action. However, his participation in Chelsea’s upcoming match against Leicester City remains uncertain. For Sancho, the current season was intended to mark a turning point in his career. Unless he can quickly rediscover his form and consistency, his time at Chelsea risks becoming another chapter in the story of unfulfilled potential.
