Andrey Santos' loan move from Chelsea to Palmeiras looks set to collapse after a key stumbling block was hit in negotiations. A second work permit application failed by a singular point under the "special talent" umbrella which forced the Blues to quickly search for an appropriate loan destination for the teenager.
Santos was one of Chelsea's first signings in January, completing a deal worth £16million to bring him to Stamford Bridge from Brazilian second-tier side Vasco da Gama. The midfielder was then given permission to represent his country at the Under-20 South American Championship, a tournament he won and finished as top scorer.
Having only played in the second division of Brazilian football last season, a first work permit application was rejected with the hope being his performances at the Under-20 South American Championship would help him over the threshold.
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In his press conference last week, Graham Potter was asked for the latest on the Brazilian by football.london. The Chelsea head coach replied: "Santos is still in the same place. We're looking at what the options are for him."
That option looked set to be at Palmeiras would be taking him on a loan deal until December, but that no longer looks to be the case. According to Lucas Pedrosa, who broke initial news of Chelsea's failure to see a second work permit application accepted, the move looks set to collapse. Chelsea demanded the midfielder's release for the U-20 World Cup and also his return to England on July 1, changing previously agreed terms which has seen Palmeiras walk away from the deal.
With Santos unable to play in England, Chelsea must now find a plan B for what Santos will be doing for the next few months, with Chelsea clearly insistent on him continuing his rapid development.
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