Andrey Santos misses out on Chelsea work permit with new plan formed while Malo Gusto recovers from injury

Brazilian youngster’s performances at the U20 South American Championships not taken into account
Nizaar Kinsella17 February 2023

Andrey Santos is due to go on loan to a leading Brazilian club after his work permit was rejected for the second time.

Chelsea had been hopeful that the 18-year-old midfielder would get his visa to play in the Premier League after completing a £16million transfer early in January.

The youngster had been away with the Brazilian Under-20s team who won the South American Championships but his performances in the competition weren’t taken into account, despite him captaining and top scoring for his country from defensive midfield.

Hinting at the concern about his work permit, manager Graham Potter was asked about the new signing from Vasco da Gama at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

He said: “Santos is still in the same place. We’re looking at what the options are for him.”

Santos missed out by just one point again on his application but playing in Brazil’s top-flight for a Copa Libertadores team would add at least three points to his third attempt to secure the right to play in England.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s fellow new signing Malo Gusto has been at Cobham this week after suffering a hamstring injury on loan at Lyon.

Back in town: Gusto is recovering from a hamstring at the club’s Cobham training base
Chelsea FC via Getty Images

He is getting treatment in the building and meeting the staff, ahead of moving over to the UK in the summer.

“Malo is here to help with his rehab, the club made that decision,” he added. “But it’s nice to meet him and nice to see him in person around the building. But we’re just trying to help him get back fit.”

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