Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 27, 2022 Chelsea manager Graham Potter reacts REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter is desperate for new signing Andrey Santos to be granted a work permit and play football, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Lowdown: Santos complete Chelsea move
Last month, the Premier League giants completed the signing of the 18-year-old from Vasco da Gama, as Potter added youth to a midfield that has arguably looked ageing this season.
Santos is still awaiting his first appearance for Chelsea, however, with a work permit not yet being granted that would allow him to make his debut.
As a critical point in the Blues’ season arrives, both domestically and in the Champions League, the hope is that the situation changes as soon as possible.
The Latest: Potter wants playing time
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips said Chelsea are desperate for the work permit to be handed to Santos, seeing him as a key player from the off:
“Cobham sources have been saying this week that Chelsea planned for him this season.
“They want him in the team. They want him, at least, in the squad this season.”
The Verdict: Could be key in Blues’ season
While Santos may only be 18, it says a lot about his ability that Chelsea are already so keen to see him featuring in matches, having scored five goals in nine caps for Brazil’s Under-20s.
The midfielder is someone who could inject extra life into a tired-looking area of the pitch, with Juninho describing him as a ‘beast’ of a player who is also on a ‘high level’ technically.
The South American ace also attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Barcelona before Chelsea won the race for his signature – backing his huge potential and obvious talent.
Once a man in demand, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly secured the wonderkid, with the only frustration being his delayed arrival to compete.
Santos is clearly still inexperienced, so it would be unfair to expect too much from minute one, but if the work permit comes his way, he could be a difference-maker in Chelsea’s top-four pursuit.
About the Author
