Bad luck Barca! Chelsea's Casemiro has work permit and Poch backing

Stuart Telford

• 21 Jul 2023 18:00 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona's hopes of signing Andrey Santos have been dealt a blow with Mauricio Pochettino leaning towards a first-team role for his young Brazilian next season.

Chelsea signed Santos from Vasco da Gama for an initial €12.5 million in January, but had to loan him straight back when it became clear he fell afoul of the UK's work permit rules.

But the youngster - who has drawn comparisons with compatriot Casemiro, now of Manchester United - made good on a difficult situation, winning his first Brazil cap in March before securing the right to play on Thursday.

READ: 'Already better than Casemiro' - Andrey Santos leaves Chelsea fans drooling with Brazil U20 display

Santos might not have needed the permission to play in Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Wrexham in North Carolina over the weekend, but he impressed in the Blues' 5-0 win and new manager Pochettino wants to see more.

"Mauricio Pochettino is impressed by young Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and is increasingly considering keeping him at the club next season," reports the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella.

'High hopes' for Andrey Santos

"Chelsea executives have high hopes for their £18 million January signing from Vasco da Gama and believe he is ready, with a work permit now secured."

READ: Arsenal could HIJACK Chelsea move for Caicedo

The news comes as a blow to Barcelona, who were hoping to secure the youngster on loan against the backdrop of their financial dire straits, with work permit rules for Brazilians in Spain significantly more lenient.

Porto were also credited with an interest in the youngster, who scored eight goals from defensive midfield for Vasco in 2022.

Santos was paired with Cesare Casadei against Wrexham, and the young Italian could also be given a chance to impress in Chelsea's first team next season.

The Blues remain in the market for a central midfielder, however, with personal terms agreed with Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

The Seagulls wants at least £100m for their player though, having seen West Ham get £105m out of Arsenal for Declan Rice, a player in the same position who is three years Caicedo's senior.