Chelsea winger Jesse Derry is reportedly determined to make his loan spell at Sporting CP successful despite struggling to secure regular first-team opportunities, although a possible return to Stamford Bridge in January remains an option.

According to Football London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Chelsea have the right to recall the 19-year-old when the January transfer window opens, giving the club an opportunity to reassess his situation midway through the season.

Derry moved to Portugal during the summer after making encouraging progress within Chelsea’s academy. His performances for the Under-21 side helped him earn opportunities with the senior team, where he began gaining valuable experience last season.

The teenager made his first-team debut against Hull City in the FA Cup before being handed his first Premier League start against Nottingham Forest in May. Those appearances raised expectations about his development and suggested he could become an important prospect for the club.

However, his first experience of regular football abroad has proved more challenging than anticipated. Derry has made only seven appearances across all competitions since joining Sporting, accumulating 133 minutes of playing time without scoring a goal. He has registered one assist during that period.

His limited involvement has included four appearances in the Portuguese league and two matches in the Champions League, leaving him with relatively few opportunities to demonstrate his ability at senior level.

Derry recently showed a glimpse of his quality by providing an assist during Sporting’s 2-1 Allianz Cup victory over Marítimo. Despite that contribution, he was left out of the action in the club’s following two matches, remaining an unused substitute on both occasions.

He also missed the opportunity to feature against Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge, where Sporting recorded a 1-0 victory. His absence from the match further highlighted the difficulties he has experienced in securing a consistent role since arriving in Portugal.

Despite his lack of minutes, Derry is understood to remain committed to proving himself at Sporting rather than immediately pursuing an exit. Reports indicate that his current priority is to improve his standing within the squad and contribute more regularly to the team's performances.

The Athletic, in a report cited by The Chelsea Chronicle, confirmed that Chelsea retain the option to bring the youngster back during the January window. However, the report also emphasised his determination to make the Portuguese adventure worthwhile.

It stated: “Derry’s only thoughts right now are to make his time at Sporting CP a success and to help the team.”

Chelsea will therefore need to evaluate his progress before deciding whether to activate the recall option. His development and prospects of receiving more playing time are likely to be important considerations when the transfer window reopens.

If his situation does not improve, returning to Stamford Bridge could provide an opportunity for the club to reconsider his development pathway. Another loan arrangement with a team capable of offering more consistent first-team involvement may also be considered.

For now, Derry remains focused on earning greater opportunities at Sporting, while Chelsea retain the flexibility to determine his next step in January.