Enzo Maresca already has perfect Jadon Sancho replacement at Chelsea
Given all the noise in days leading up to Tuesday, it was rather a surprise when news broke that Jadon Sancho would not be extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Signed on loan from Manchester United last summer, the 25-year-old winger spent the 2024/25 season at . There was a £25million obligation to buy Sancho for the Blues, but they instead after personal terms proved to be a stumbling block for the two parties.
All the noise following the Conference League final triumph last week - a game that scored in, with one of his last kicks of a ball in Chelsea blue - was that the club were keen on extending the winger's stay. That was indeed the case but personal terms were an issue and with Sancho having options elsewhere, he has been allowed to leave his contract early as he ponders a big decision over his future.
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"Grateful for the experience," Sancho wrote on social media on Tuesday evening. "Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home — teammates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, Thank you Blues."
With still suspended after , Chelsea are now in the market for a new left-sided winger. football.london
The Blues explored a deal to sign Gittens over the January transfer window, with the likes of and also considered. There was contact with Gittens' entourage in January, football.london was told, and that has helped in negotiations in recent days.
If it is to be only Gittens - from a left winger perspective - who walks through the door, then Chelsea will be putting a lot of faith in Tyrique George. Making his senior debut for the Blues in August 2024, the 19-year-old winger flourished in his breakthrough season under .
Maresca used George a total of 24 times in all competitions, with the majority of his appearances (12) coming in Chelsea's Conference League-winning campaign. More than 1000 minutes in a debut season is some going, but what made it even more impressive was the adaptability George showcased; with the teenager being used in a number of positions, including as the sole No.9 during Nicolas Jackson's absence.
If Sancho had stayed and Chelsea were indeed to bring in Gittens, then there may well have been some question marks over what is next for George. With the Blues in the Champions League next season, Maresca will not have the luxury of rotating as much as he did in the Conference League. George's minutes may well be restricted.
However, if the winger is ready and willing to be patient for his opportunities, then he could well play an enormous role in Chelsea's 2025/26 campaign. Given his rise in the last 12 months, George will be looking to establish himself as a staple in Maresca's first-choice XI.