Chelsea could be forced to send new signing Andrey Santos on loan if the Brazilian wonderkid’s work permit falls through, according to reports.
The big-spending Blues completed the £18million signing of the 18-year-old from Vasco de Gama on January 6.
The young midfielder has since taken the South America Under-20 Championship by storm racking up his fifth goal in as many games.
However, according to Globo, Graham Potter’s third signing of eight in January does not have enough points to qualify for a UK work permit.
Chelsea have reportedly applied for an exceptional talent visa to allow Santos to play in the Premier League.
If the West London club are unable to secure his work permit, Vasco apparently have the option of re-signing Santos on loan as part of their agreement.
Santos would have to agree as well though and other clubs, including those competing in the Copa Libertadores, might be interested.
It comes as Santos kept up his sensational form and scored yet again against Venezuela Under 20s.
Although Brazil were already 2-0, Santos was determined to keep up his red-hot form and got on the end of a loose clearance to fire home past Benitez-Gutierrez in goal.
The well-taken finish came from a long throw which Venezuela failed to deal with.
And after a flicked on header and a poor touch from the defender, Santos was quickest to latch on and find the back of the net.
He has scored against Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and now Venezuela. He was rested for the Paraguay match.
