The fact that Andrey Santos has finally obtained a work permit has given Chelsea a major boost ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. The £18 million midfielder, who joined the Blues from Vasco do Gama last summer, might end up being an interesting choice for Mauricio Pochettino.
Santos is reportedly available for selection to play in the Premier League this year, according to football.london. He returned to the Brazilian team on loan for the rest of the season after initially failing to obtain a work permit.
To obtain a license that enables them to compete in the Premier League, foreign players must obtain a specific number of endorsement points from their respective regulatory bodies. Even though he led his nation to victory in the Under-20 South American Championship, he had trouble accumulating enough points to advance.
Santos stood out in the competition, scoring six goals in six games while playing defensive midfield. He was given his national team debut in a friendly match against Morocco as a reward for his heroic efforts, playing alongside Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro.
He joined the Chelsea first squad at Cobham training facility after his loan at Vasco do Gama expired earlier this summer as preseason preparations got underway. Santos accompanied the Blues to Philadelphia for preseason since Pochettino is now lacking options in midfield due to the departures of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount.
The adolescent wonder made a tremendous impact in his starting role against Wrexham in a 5-0 victory, and he will be hoping to stay in Chelsea’s team for the forthcoming season. The Brazilian described what it was like to play alongside Casemiro for his nation in an interview with FIFA+ in April.
Santos remarked, “I got the opportunity to play beside my idol. He offered me a lot of advice, which I will use to advance my profession.
After that, Santos continued, “I’m thrilled to have played alongside him but, who knows, I might be on the opposite side to him one day? I’m looking forward to playing against the Manchester United star.” I’d become a better player, I suppose (laughter). Additionally, I want to compete against Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.