When Chelsea announced Andrey Santos’ return from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, it didn’t come as a surprise. Initially slated for a season-long stay at City Ground, it had been anticipated for some time that his loan might end prematurely.
Despite his loan, Santos featured in just two games for the Reds, debuting in the Carabao Cup against Burnley shortly after the loan commenced. His only other appearance was against Liverpool in October, with minimal involvement in matchday squads thereafter.
The Brazilian midfielder was signed by Chelsea almost a year back but couldn’t feature for the team until obtaining a work permit. Santos had a busy schedule, participating in the South American under-20 championship where he led Brazil to victory, also emerging as the tournament’s top scorer. Following this, he returned to Vasco da Gama on loan and captained Brazil’s under-20 team at the World Cup in the summer.
Post his country’s quarterfinal exit, Santos swiftly joined Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea squad. He notably stood out during the Blues manager’s extensive preseason tour to the United States. Initially included in Pochettino’s squad for the opening game against Liverpool, Santos’s subsequent move to Forest saw the club acquire Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez, indicating the loan’s likely termination.
Due to Chelsea’s inability to loan players overseas after recruiting several others, Santos’ situation remains uncertain. While he may seek a domestic club, his immediate prospects are unclear. Brazil’s pre-Olympic competition utilizes Vasco da Gama’s talent to secure a spot in the summer Olympics in Paris, further complicating any immediate transition.
Given the challenges at the end of a season for an on-loan player, Santos might consider staying at Chelsea until the campaign’s completion. However, stiff competition in midfield persists, especially with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez competing for spots, delaying Santos’ potential integration into a new squad.
As Chelsea attempts to revitalize Santos’ disappointing season, the Brazilian midfielder, known for his goal-scoring ability and defensive prowess, could be a valuable asset in the midfield rotation. But considering the competitive midfield landscape, his future involvement remains uncertain, particularly in comparison to other rising prospects within the squad.
