Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Kieran Horn

Chelsea make major Andrey Santos transfer decision after second work permit application rejected

Chelsea star Andrey Santos will have to wait a number of months to make his official Blues debut after another work permit application was rejected. The Brazilian international was Graham Potter's third January arrival joining from Serie B outfit Vasco de Gama for £16million, but he is yet to appear for his new club.

Despite his unavailability domestically, Chelsea fans have been able to watch their new 18-year-old wonderkid in action after he jetted off to the Under-20 South American Championship as captain of Brazil. Santos, alongside Vitor Roque who is attracting significant European interest, was the shining light of the tournament guiding his country to the trophy as top scorer.

Chelsea's initial work permit application was rejected with Santos missing out by a singular point under the "special talent" label having only played in the second division of Brazilian football last season.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly disagrees with Frank Lampard and John Terry on next Chelsea captain decision

Graham Potter was asked on Friday for the latest on the teenager by football.london at his pre-match press conference. The Chelsea head coach replied: "Santos is still in the same place. We're looking at what the options are for him."

The hope was that his displays on the international stage would be enough to see a work permit granted, but again, via Brazilian journalist Lucas Pedrosa, a "special talent" work permit application proved unsuccessful by a single point. The reported reason is the teenager could not be classed as indispensable to Chelsea given the number of midfield options, including Enzo Fernandez and Denis Zakaria, available to Potter.

In the event of this exact outcome happening, Chelsea were prepared to allow Santos to leave the club on loan and that is exactly what is now in motion.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Santos is closing in on signing for Brazilian club Palmeiras on loan until December. It is also noted that Chelsea have a recall clause in the contract ready for June.

Palmeiras are the current Serie A champions and certainly have a knack for developing wonderkids. The club recently allowed Danilo to sign for Nottingham Forest for £16million, while 16-year-old Endrick will join Real Madrid in 2024 in a package deal worth £62.3million.

READ NEXT:

Every word Graham Potter said on Andrey Santos, Mount contract, VAR and Chelsea injuries

Chelsea star Reece James fires clear four-word message after Borussia Dortmund defeat

Malo Gusto to return to Chelsea from Lyon after suffering hamstring injury

Graham Potter must take unpopular Chelsea decision vs Southampton to protect impressive star

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.