Chelsea is now obligated to purchase Jadon Sancho outright.
Since joining Chelsea on loan last summer, the former Manchester United player has had varied success with the team.
This season, the 25-year-old has played in 27 Premier League games, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
His performance this season included a goalless streak in the league that lasted 16 games, ending earlier this month with a spectacular goal against Ipswich.
Despite inconsistent form in recent months, Chelsea has managed to stay within the top five positions in the league.
Following their victory over Fulham, Enzo Maresca`s team is now guaranteed to finish no lower than 15th in the league standings.
This achievement has activated a clause in Sancho`s loan agreement requiring Chelsea to pay Manchester United £25 million to permanently acquire him.
However, Chelsea`s management still has the option to withdraw from the agreement.
Reportedly, the final decision regarding Sancho`s future will be made by club officials at the end of the season.
If Chelsea decides against the permanent transfer, they will incur a £5 million penalty fee payable to Manchester United.
Sancho, a former Manchester City academy player, joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for £73 million.
His initial seasons at Manchester United were hampered by poor form, mental health challenges, and injuries.
After a public disagreement with then-manager Erik ten Hag over training performance, Sancho was excluded from the squad for refusing to apologize.
He was subsequently loaned back to Dortmund in the latter part of the 2023/24 season and was instrumental in the team reaching the Champions League final.
Dortmund could not afford his permanent transfer fee, leading Chelsea to secure him on loan last summer.
