Chelsea unveil Jadon Sancho at Stamford Bridge moments before Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace… after the ex-Manchester United star completed his escape to Old Trafford with a £23million move

Jadon Sancho was given a warm welcome by Chelsea fans as he was presented at his new team’s stadium ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The striker sealed his departure from Old Trafford in the dying hours of the final day after being left out of United’s squad for their opening two Premier League games.

Sancho, 24, has joined the Blues on a permanent basis next summer for a fee in the region of £23million, Mail Sport has revealed.

The Englishman, wearing number 19, was seen greeting the Stamford Bridge crowd ahead of this afternoon’s game against the Eagles.

Commenting on his arrival, Sancho said: “I’m really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.

Jadon Sancho received a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge crowd on Sunday

Sancho applauded his new fans ahead of the Premier League clash

“The manager told me about the project and for a young player it’s exciting. I hope I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge.”

Sancho will replace Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal after the former Borussia Dortmund star fell out of favour with head coach Erik ten Hag following a well-documented falling-out last season.

The deal completed on transfer deadline day came as a shock to many after Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted Sancho would remain at the club for the coming season.

Asked if he expected Sancho to stay at the club, Ten Hag replied: “As I know, yes.

“He’s part of our team and we’re happy with him. We need a good squad, we need depth. We need to play a lot of games until January. After the break we play every three days, so we need options.”

Sancho began his footballing career at Watford before heading north to join Manchester City at the age of 14.

Sancho looked ready for his new challenge as he was greeted by his new team’s supporters

He excelled at City’s youth level and three years later signed for German giants Borussia Dortmund, where he became a footballing star and emerged as one of the game’s future wingers.

Sancho has made 137 appearances in just four seasons for the Dortmund side, winning titles along the way by lifting the 2019 DFL Supercup and the 2021 DFB-Pokal.