Brazilian wonderkid Andrey Santos may join Chelsea’s first team soon

Respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Chelsea’s Brazilian star of the future Andrey Santos.

Romano’s latest report says:

"“Understand Chelsea feel there will be no issues to get Andrey Santos work permit. Process very advanced — as club remains confident to receive the green light soon. Chelsea plan always been to include Andrey in the squad instead of loaning him out to Brazilian clubs.”"

Andrey Nascimento dos Santos was Chelsea’s third signing of the January transfer window who was secured for a fee of around £18M. Initially the supporters did question the amount spent on this deal, however many people at the club insisted that Santos could prove to be the best signing of this window. And his performances at the South American Youth Football Championship have proved them right. Santos has captained his side to the latter stages of the competition whilst being second on the top goal scorers list with five goals in the competition already.

The West Londeners have always expected the youngster to be a part of Graham Potter’s first team squad. However, they have struggled in acquiring a UK work permit. Some reports suggest that Chelsea’s first attempt was unsuccessful and the Brazilian failed by one point only. But considering his recent performances whilst captaining the side, will definitely aid CFC‘s appeal and the Blues can hope to have him at Cobham soon.

Even though the recent reports have brought relief to the CFC supporters, incase the Brazilian still manages to fail in securing his work permit, the Blues are ready with an alternative solution. Andrey Santos’ former club Vasco Da Gama will be willing to loan him back to the club for the remainder of the season. He could consider a move to other clubs participating in the Copa Libertadores (South America’s UCL equivalent) too.

Despite the fact that Chelsea have managed to land Enzo Fernandez, Potter would love to have Santos around considering the injury crisis at the club. Kante and Zakaria are out injured. Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-cheek have struggled with minor injuries and form too. Under such circumstances, Santos could come in and provide the backup that this Chelsea midfield needs to stay competitive.

With the South American Youth Football Championship coming to an end later this week, the west London outfit will expect a decision to be taken on the wonderkid’s work permit situation soon. Let’s hope he carries his National Team form into whatever Blues capacity he takes.