Chelsea’s announcement of Andrey Santos’ return from loan at Nottingham Forest didn’t surprise many, as the Brazilian midfielder’s loan had seemed likely to end prematurely. Despite being signed by Chelsea almost a year ago, Santos faced delays due to work permit issues. He played in just two games for Forest, with his debut in the Carabao Cup against Burnley and his first league appearance against Liverpool in October.
Initially part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for Chelsea’s season opener against Liverpool, Santos soon found himself on loan to Forest. However, the loan fell through, and Santos returned to Chelsea, losing his squad number to Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s signings, including Hakim Ziyech, Angelo Gabriel, Romelu Lukaku, and others, meant they were no longer eligible to loan players overseas.
With limited opportunities in Chelsea’s crowded midfield, Santos faces uncertainty. The Brazilian national team has selected him for the pre-Olympic competition, potentially delaying any move to a domestic squad. Chelsea’s midfield already boasts competition from players like Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo. Despite Santos’ goal-scoring ability, finding playing time could be challenging.
The midfielder’s loan transfer appears to be less than ideal, and he might consider staying at Chelsea until the end of the current campaign. This decision may be influenced by the competition in the center of midfield and the potential of other players, including Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia. Chelsea, facing a challenging season, needs to address Santos’ situation in the coming weeks.
While Santos offers a reliable option as a defensive midfielder, the presence of Ugochukwu complicates matters. Santos may stay if Ugochukwu is considered a better prospect for a loan. Despite Santos’ ability to keep the ball moving and contribute defensively, his return to Chelsea hasn’t been smooth.
As the Blues aim to turn around a challenging season, Santos’ future remains uncertain. His loan stint, initially expected to provide valuable experience, has left him with limited playing time. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Santos’ role at Chelsea and whether he decides to seek opportunities elsewhere.
