Chelsea Football Club has made the decision to recall loanee Andrey Santos from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian midfielder had only made two appearances for Forest, prompting Chelsea to exercise their option to bring him back in January.

 

According to The Athletic, Forest will face financial penalties as part of the mutually agreed terms for not providing sufficient playing time to the 19-year-old, despite his fitness. Santos’ time on the pitch has been minimal, with just a brief cameo in the Premier League against Liverpool and another appearance in a Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley.

 

It is anticipated that Chelsea will look to loan Santos out again for the remainder of the season, with French club Strasbourg reportedly showing interest. Strasbourg and Chelsea share the same owners, which could facilitate a potential move.

 

Santos had agreed to join Chelsea in January 2023 but was loaned back to Vasco da Gama for the 2022-23 campaign. He is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues, as he was immediately loaned out to Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.

 

If Chelsea intends to send Santos to Strasbourg or any other foreign club, they will need to cancel one of their existing loan deals. The club currently has seven players out on loan abroad, which is the maximum number allowed for international loans. There have been indications that Hakim Ziyech may return from his loan spell at Galatasaray, potentially opening up a spot for Santos or another loan move.