Chelsea’s announcement of Andrey Santos’ return from loan to Nottingham Forest didn’t come as a surprise, as speculation had long surrounded the premature termination of his expected season-long stint. Santos featured in just two matches for the Reds, making his debut in the Carabao Cup against Burnley shortly after the loan, and a subsequent appearance against Liverpool in October, with minimal inclusion in matchday squads thereafter.
Originally signed by Chelsea almost a year ago, Santos faced delays in playing for the team due to work permit issues. Despite this, he showcased his talent in the South American under-20 championship, guiding Brazil to victory and earning the tournament’s top scorer title. Following a loan spell at Vasco da Gama and captaining Brazil’s under-20 team at the World Cup, Santos joined Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea during a notable preseason in the United States.
Before the loan to Forest, Santos was part of Pochettino’s squad for the season opener against Liverpool, hinting at a potential first-team opportunity. However, the loan deal fell through, and Santos finds himself in limbo. The squad number he initially held for the season has been claimed by Cole Palmer.
Chelsea’s recent acquisitions, including Hakim Ziyech, Angelo Gabriel, Romelu Lukaku, Charlie Webster, David Datro Fofana, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Gabriel Slonina, render them ineligible to loan players overseas. While Santos’ situation remains uncertain, there’s a possibility of finding interest from a domestic squad.
Brazil has selected Santos for the pre-Olympic competition, aiming to secure a spot in the summer Olympics in Paris. This commitment extends until February 11, potentially delaying any transition to a new squad. Despite challenges, Santos might opt to stay in west London until the end of the current campaign.
Competing for a place in Chelsea’s midfield is demanding, with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez. The Blues face the task of revitalizing Santos’ season in the upcoming weeks after a less-than-ideal loan spell.
Despite his goal-scoring prowess, Santos could offer a dependable option in the defensive midfield role, a quality demonstrated during the summer. If deemed a better prospect than the injured Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia, Santos may choose to stay for another loan stint, providing Chelsea with a valuable asset for the remainder of the season.
