Chelsea and Vasco Da Gama are close to reaching an agreement for Andrey Santos to spend time in Brazil until July.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Chelsea are closing in on a loan agreement with Vasco Da Gama to send Andrey Santos back to Brazil. The 18-year-old midfielder has had a difficult time since signing for the Blues in January, and he will likely spend more time in his native Brazil.
Chelsea may have found a viable solution to resolve Andrey Santos’s situation, as a loan move back to Brazil seems the only option. The 18-year-old midfielder was signed for €12.5 million from Vasco Da Gama, as he could make an imminent return to the club.
Andrey Santos was considered the next emerging player out of the Brazilian league. Despite his tender age, he was already impressed with Vasco Da Gama, which led to many top European clubs chasing his signature. Chelsea, under Todd Boehly, agreed on a deal with the Brazilian side as the player arrived in England.
There were complications with what Santos wanted, as he wished to take part in the Under-20 World Cup. Waiting on the situation, Chelsea have yet to apply for a work permit as they gave thought to their next plans for the 18-year-old midfielder.
Chelsea and Vasco da Gama are closing in on agreement for Andrey Santos loan after deal collapsed with Palmeiras, it’s almost done 🚨🔵🇧🇷 #CFC
Vasco accept Chelsea key condition for Andrey to play U20 World Cup — he will return to London in July.
Medicals will take place soon. pic.twitter.com/FM2LcXOq7l
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2023
The idea of sending him back to Brazil on a temporary loan deal made sense from the beginning. Palmeiras found an agreement with Chelsea to sign the player until the summer. But they deliberated on the Premier League side’s condition to allow him to play at the Under-20 World Cup.
The Brazilian side did not want that and were keen for Santos to remain with the rest of the squad. Hence, the deal with Palmerias collapsed, leaving the 18-year-old midfielder’s immediate future in limbo. Now, former side Vasco Da Gama has agreed to take him until July and even allow him to play in the Under-20 World Cup.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that medicals would take place ahead of the loan move. Returning to his former side would restore confidence in the youngster as he takes the next steps to sign for Chelsea in the summer. He is already pencilled for a massive career.
Santos could become central to Chelsea’s plans as the hierarchy considers him a massive talent to build the squad. The Blues now have sufficient players to take charge, but Graham Potter’s future remains uncertain.
