Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho has come under fire from former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who believes the player is repeating the same mistakes that hindered his progress at Manchester United.
Despite an encouraging start to his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, Sancho’s form has taken a turn for the worse under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca. With the winger now excluded from several matchday squads, concerns are growing about his ability to secure a long-term future with the club.
Sancho’s professional journey has been anything but smooth. After completing a £72 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, he struggled to meet the high expectations placed upon him. His time at Old Trafford was plagued by inconsistency and difficulty adapting to the rigors of the Premier League.
This past summer, Chelsea stepped in to offer him a fresh start, signing him on a season-long loan with a £25 million obligation to buy if the team finishes in the Premier League’s top 14. This arrangement was seen as a second chance for the 24-year-old to reignite his career, but his recent performances suggest this opportunity may be slipping away.
Sancho began his Chelsea career on a promising note, providing three consecutive assists in games against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton. These early displays sparked optimism among fans, who hoped the winger was finally on track to fulfill his potential.
However, his performances have since nosedived, with underwhelming displays against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool marking a turning point.
Officially, manager Enzo Maresca has attributed Sancho’s absence from recent squads to illness, but O’Hara has suggested that deeper issues are at play, reminiscent of the challenges the player faced at Manchester United.
In an interview with Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara criticized Sancho’s inability to make the most of his opportunities. “Sancho had a golden chance to rebuild his career and prove his worth at Chelsea,” he remarked. “While he showed glimpses of brilliance early on, it seems he’s slipping back into the bad habits that derailed his time at Manchester United.”
Sancho’s struggles at United are well-documented. Despite a brief period of reconciliation with Erik ten Hag during pre-season, the winger failed to cement his place in the squad, overshadowed by the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony. Ultimately, United decided to part ways with him, and now, Chelsea appears to be experiencing a similar situation.
O’Hara also highlighted the fierce competition Sancho faces at Chelsea. “The depth in Chelsea’s squad is a significant challenge for him,” he explained. “With players like Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke performing consistently, it’s difficult for Sancho to secure regular playing time. To prove himself, he needs to make the most of his opportunities and deliver at a high level consistently.”
After resuming training during the November international break, Sancho has sparked speculation about a potential return to action. However, his availability for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Leicester City remains uncertain. For Sancho, this season was meant to be a turning point—a chance to leave his struggles at Manchester United behind and establish himself as a top-tier player. Yet, unless he can turn things around soon, the narrative may once again center on unfulfilled potential.
The question now is whether Sancho possesses the mental toughness and determination to overcome his challenges. His natural ability is undeniable, but achieving sustained success at the highest level requires more than talent—it demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
With Chelsea’s project under Maresca showing signs of promise, Sancho must find a way to align with the team’s ambitions or risk being remembered as yet another high-profile player who failed to meet expectations.
