Transfer Deadline Day: Chelsea Secure Loan Deal for Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling Makes Surprise Move to Arsenal

LONDON – Chelsea have secured the signing of winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal, in a last-minute move on the frenzied transfer-deadline day for English Premier League clubs on Aug 30. Additionally, Blues forward Raheem Sterling has made a surprising departure from Stamford Bridge to join Arsenal.

It was reported that Chelsea have an obligation to make the Sancho move permanent for £25 million (S$42.9 million).

United have cut their losses on the 24-year-old, who has failed to live up to his price tag ever since a £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.

He has not played a league game for the Red Devils since falling out with manager Erik ten Hag just under a year ago.

But he shone during a loan spell back at Dortmund during the second half of last season, helping the German giants reach the Champions League final.

Sancho’s arrival adds to Chelsea’s bloated squad, but one of those outcast by new boss Enzo Maresca has found a new home as Sterling moved across London to Arsenal, also on a season-long loan.

The deal is reportedly a straight loan with no fee involved and no obligation to buy.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Sterling said of his move.

“It (the transfer) is one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. This is a perfect fit for me, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”

Arsenal also added goalkeeper Neto as cover for David Raya on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, after letting Aaron Ramsdale leave for Southampton in a £25 million move.

United, meanwhile, finally completed a move for Uruguayan international midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that could reach over £50 million.

The 23-year-old becomes the Red Devils’ fifth major signing of the window after defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and forward Joshua Zirkzee.

But ten Hag said he was sad to see Scott McTominay go after the Scottish midfielder joined Napoli.

Manchester City refused to delve into the market on deadline day even if Pep Guardiola admitted he is taking a risk in not replacing Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, who departed for Atletico Madrid earlier in August.

“Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time,” said the City manager on his preference for a smaller squad.

Crystal Palace were among the busiest sides despite rebuffing interest in captain Marc Guehi from Newcastle.

The Eagles signed striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £30 million, French defender Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg and a loan deal for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.

Newcastle have the financial backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, but have been frustrated in their attempts to quickly challenge at the top of the Premier League by the need to meet financial sustainability rules.

The Magpies were unable to add any major signings during this window.

Highly-rated England international striker Ivan Toney moved to Saudi club Al-Ahli for around £40 million.

“We wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend,” said Bees manager Thomas Frank. AFP,