Jadon Sancho’s tumultuous three-year stay at Manchester United came to an end as the winger completed a loan move to Chelsea on the transfer deadline. The 24-year-old’s departure marked a fitting conclusion to a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, which was marred by controversy and inconsistency.

Sancho’s loan deal was finalized in the dying hours of the transfer window, with Chelsea agreeing to pay a significant portion of his £250,000-a-week wages. The Blues also hold an obligation to sign him permanently in a year’s time for a fee between £20-25 million, depending on their league position.

The England international’s relationship with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag had deteriorated significantly, culminating in a public spat on social media last year. Sancho accused ten Hag of lying about his absence from the squad, which led to a brief exile from the team. Although the two seemingly patched things up, the damage had already been done.

Upon his return to pre-season training, Sancho’s social media profiles still prominently featured his former club Borussia Dortmund, hinting at his desire to leave United. The writing was on the wall, and it was only a matter of time before he parted ways with the Red Devils.

Sancho’s final appearance for United was a penalty miss in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. His time at the club saw him make 83 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists. Despite his initial promise, Sancho failed to live up to expectations, and his discipline and time-keeping were often called into question.

The move to Chelsea presents Sancho with a fresh opportunity to revive his career and potentially earn a recall to the England national team. With the Blues, he’ll hope to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most promising young players during his time at Dortmund.