Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is reportedly heading to Palmeiras on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to a report from 90min, Chelsea signed Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama during the January transfer window. But the player has not received his work permit because he was playing for a second-tier club in Brazil. He will now head to Palmeiras on loan for the remainder of the season and will look to play regularly and secure his work permit at the end of the season.
The 18-year-old is highly rated in Brazil and has a massive future ahead of him. Chelsea would have hoped to get his work permit issues sorted so that he can help out the team during the second half of the campaign.
The Blues paid £18 million for the player, and he will be a big part of their future going forward. Meanwhile, Chelsea cannot hope to let him stay at the club without regular first-team action. So a loan move was always in the pipeline. Santos needs to play regularly at this stage of his career to continue his development.
Palmeiras are a top-flight club in Brazil, and playing for them will certainly help the 18-year-old secure his work permit. Furthermore, Palmeiras are competing in the Copa Libertadores. And playing in a prestigious competition will strengthen his case to obtain a work permit in the summer.
Andrey Santos will travel to Brazil on Sunday in order to complete his loan move to Palmeiras valid until December, end of Brazilian season – medical at the beginning of next week if all goes to plan 🔵✈️🇧🇷 #CFC
Chelsea have a clause to re-call Andrey in June. pic.twitter.com/VryWqtmjVr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2023
Santos was outstanding in the South American under-20 championships before his move to Chelsea. And he could be a key player for the Blues going forward. The 18-year-old will add technique, drive and goals to the Chelsea midfield in the coming seasons. And Graham Potter will be hoping to help the youngster develop and fulfil his tremendous potential at Stamford Bridge.
A number of Chelsea midfielders have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. And the Blues will need to bring in quality alternatives. They have already signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and Santos could also be handed a first-team role in the side next season.
Meanwhile, Potter himself faces an uncertain future at Chelsea amid the team’s horrendous run of form. Recent reports have linked the Blues with several managers, including Mauricio Pochettino. It will be interesting to see if Potter is still at the helm when Santos returns to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
