Chelsea starlet’s loan move to South American club collapses

Chelsea new boy Andrey Santos’ loan move to Palmeiras collapses after trouble over talks

As a result of Palmeiras’ withdrawal from the negotiations, (h/t Evening Standard), Andrey Santos’ loan deal to the Brazilian club was unable to proceed.

Chelsea demanded a 1.3 million break clause that would allow the 18-year-old to return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season after the end of the season, but Santos also intended to represent Brazil at the Under-20 World Cup in May.

Palmeiras became dissatisfied with the demands made of them after failing to secure him for the entire season and have therefore ended negotiations.

The 18-year-old had a breakthrough year as he won the Copa America tournament, was the joint top scorer and has been a regular starter at Vasco de Gama with 33 appearances.

Santos will spend another season at the Brazilian club.
Santos will spend another season at the Brazilian club.

After the youngster’s impressive performance for Brazil U19 at the Copa America, Chelsea sought to bring him back, but the transaction was unsuccessful because of a work visa permit, and they missed out on him with just one point after his £16 move-in January, which led to the Blues again sending him back to the Brazilian club.

And now that their deal with Palmeiras has fallen apart, the Premier League’s powerhouses have only one choice left: they can send him back to Vasco da Gama, who are ready to sign those terms for a loan.

Other major Brazilian clubs were also interested in the young player, but it now seems like Chelsea may have to loan Santos to a lower team in order to impose their desired parameters.

Andrey Santos was the joint top-scorer for Brazil U20 at Copa America.
Andrey Santos was the joint top-scorer for Brazil U20 at Copa America.

It’s bad news for us since we need an offensive midfielder because Mason Mount and Kai Havertz haven’t been profitable this year.

Graham Potter could have benefited from the young player’s acquisition by using him as a substitute to add fresh legs to the game. And game after game, he would have gained Premier League experience, and by the start of next season, he would have developed into a brilliant attacking midfielder.

But for the time being, we hope the 18-year-old develops into a more experienced player since when he joins Chelsea, he will be exposed to a totally different environment and pace.

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We do, however, expect to see Santos play next season since we desperately need an attacking midfielder who can create chances for the frontline. A bit too early, perhaps, but we have paid a premium for these players so its only fair that we expect big things of them right now.