Chelsea have confirmed the departure of midfielder Andrey Santos, who joins sister side Strasbourg on loan for the 2024/25 season.
Santos, 20, spent the second half of last year on loan with Strasbourg after a miserable spell with Nottingham Forest, and he wasted little time in making his mark in France.
There was significant interest in Santos’ services from across Europe this season, with Borussia Dortmund even touted as potential suitors, but Chelsea have instead opted to send the midfielder back to Strasbourg.
Reports had suggested Santos’ loan to Strasbourg would only be made official after Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, but the Brazilian has instead left early to rejoin the French side, who are now led by former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior.
Santos is expected to be joined in Strasbourg by left-back Caleb Wiley, whose loan from Chelsea will be confirmed once he has returned from Olympics duty with the United States.
FIFA rules state that clubs are only permitted to sanction six overseas loan deals at any given time, with only club-trained players under 21 years of age exempt from the rule.
Santos now takes up the first spot for Chelsea, who are expected to use a second for 19-year-old defender Wiley.
Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino could also command a spot as talks over his signature continue, while reports have also suggested 19-year-old Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders could arrive in a €20m and be loaned back to his current side.
Chelsea do have an unlimited number of domestic loans to sanction but senior players like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga have been earmarked for permanent sales instead, having taken up overseas loan spots last season.
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