Revealed: Why Chelsea's Andrey Santos hasn't joined Palmeiras yet

Cameron Smith

• 20 Feb 2023 09:54 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea and Palmeiras have agreed a deal in principle for Andrey Santos to join the Brazilian side on loan, but the transfer is yet to go through due to the Blues' desire for him to feature at this summer's U20 World Cup.

Santos, 18, recently starred in the U20 South American Championship for Brazil, netting six goals in eight games as he captained his nation to victory in the tournament, as well as winning the Golden Boot.

Following his performances for Brazil, Chelsea are keen for Santos to feature at the U20 World Cup, which is due to take place between May and June 2023.

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The Blues believe the tournament would be excellent for Santos' development as a player, while Goal have reported that Chelsea think featuring in yet another FIFA event will aid their chances of obtaining a work permit for Santos.

The Athletic recently revealed that, contrary to other reports, Chelsea are yet to apply for a work permit for Santos, and were reluctant to do so due to the low chance of the midfielder featuring before the end of the current campaign. Instead, they will reportedly attempt to obtain a work permit this summer.

The Blues' plan is instead to send Santos on loan in Brazil, with Palmeiras the front-runners as things stand.

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Could a deal be struck?

Palmeiras aren't keen on losing Santos to the U20 World Cup during a vital stage of their season, which has the potential to prove a sticking point in the proposed move.

Goal have reported that the Brazilian club want to decide on whether Santos leaves for Brazil duty or not, rather than Chelsea. However, there is reportedly confidence on both sides that a compromise could be agreed upon.

According to Goal, Santos will remain on loan at Palmeiras until December if Chelsea are able to negotiate a clause in which he leaves the club to play in the U20 World Cup this summer.

Chelsea purchased Santos from Brazilian second division side Vasco de Gama during the January window during a mid-season spending spree that also saw the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez move to Stamford Bridge.