Enzo Maresca keeps cards close on Jadon Sancho's Chelsea future

The 25-year-old is currently on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with Chelsea originally expected to commit to a 25 million pounds permanent transfer once the loan ends.

However, with speculation swirling around Sancho's future, sources have indicated that Chelsea could pay a 5 million pounds fee to release themselves from that obligation. The uncertainty stems from the winger's underwhelming return of just two goals and seven assists in 28 appearances so far this season.

When questioned about Sancho's long-term future at the club, Maresca was diplomatic, saying: "All the players that are with us, I love all of them. But in this moment, it is the moment to finish well. It is not the moment to think about next season. I am completely focused on nine games, two months to go. I'm completely focused on that and then what happens in the summer, we'll see."

Maresca's stance was clear: the focus remains firmly on the present, with Chelsea's remaining fixtures of the season taking priority over any future transfer decisions.

Pressed further on Sancho's performance and his possible return to United, Maresca was again cautious. "To be honest, probably you have more news than me in terms of Jadon," the manager noted. "For me, Jadon's situation doesn't change. It is exactly the same. For sure, in terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt."

The Chelsea boss made a point to emphasize that Sancho's struggles were not unique. "It is not just about Jadon. I think we have more players in the same situation," Maresca added. "I don't need to give Jadon a message because I speak with him every day. I had a conversation with him yesterday. He just has to give his best until the end, and this is what we want from him."

As Chelsea prepares for their crucial match against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, Maresca is hoping to have a full-strength squad to choose from, with Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson all returning from injury.

Maresca also shed light on the club's high standards, revealing that he had canceled a planned day off after a group of first-team players lost a training match to the club's under-21 team during the international break. "Since I joined the club, I always demand high standards," he said. "During the international break, not an official game, not many players here, the day after off. Sometimes it is normal to be a little bit relaxed but because I don't allow this, we decided the day after to train. But it is nothing strange, nothing new."

Chelsea's focus is clearly on finishing the season strong, with Maresca maintaining that individual futures, including that of Sancho, will be dealt with later. For now, it's all about performance on the pitch and holding players to the highest level of accountability.