Chelsea star completes 'DREAM' transfer

Cameron Smith

28 Jan 2025 15:20 CST
3 min read

Chelsea forward Deivid Washington has reportedly completed a loan move back to former club Santos.

The 19-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Santos for €16 million back in 2023, but he has only made three first-team appearances for the Blues and has largely been restricted to game time in the club’s U21 side.

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Washington has only appeared in a senior matchday squad on one occasion since the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement last summer and he has now re-joined Santos on loan, according to Uriel Iugt and Ben Jacobs.

In the process, Washington will fulfil his “dream” of playing alongside Neymar. The Brazil legend is on the verge of formally completing a return to Santos after the termination of his Al-Hilal contract, and Washington will link up with the 32-year-old in Sao Paulo.

Washington netted two goals in 16 first-team appearances for Santos before his move to Chelsea, while he has been a prolific goalscorer for the Blues’ U21 side over the past 18 months.

When his move is confirmed, the Brazilian will become the fourth player to leave Chelsea on loan during the January transfer window, following the departures of Renato Veiga to Juventus, Alex Matos to Oxford United and Jimmy-Jay Morgan to Gillingham.

Neymar to re-join Santos

Neymar is expected to be formally announced as a Santos player in the immediate future, with his return to the club set to be sealed this week.

He confirmed his departure from Al-Hilal with a post on Instagram that read: “To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans, Thank you!!

“I gave everything to play and I wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together. To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life

“I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034. Your future will be incredible, special things are happening. And I will always support you.”