Chelsea have opted to send their promising young striker Deivid Washington back to his boyhood club Santos on a one-year loan deal, according to multiple reports.
Washington signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a transfer which could rise to as much as £17m. The Brazilian striker has spent much of his opening 18 months in west London turning out for the under-21 side and was afforded just three fleeting cameos by Mauricio Pochettino last term. Enzo Maresca has only included the 19-year-old in one matchday squad.
The Blues are embroiled in a striker injury crisis, with Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson both sidelined until at least April with muscular issues. Despite this dearth of centre-forwards, there is no clear path into the first team for Washington.
As he continues his search for senior football, Washington has agreed a temporary return to Santos according to The Athletic. The Brazilian is expected to pen a one-year deal to cover the entire 2025 domestic season in his homeland.
There will reportedly be a break clause included which can be triggered in the European summer if Chelsea want to whisk Washington back ahead of the 2025/26 campaign – a method the club used for Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino this year.
Santos have avoided a loan fee but will cover Washington’s entire salary.
Not only will Washington have regular access to more minutes, he was often called upon as an 18-year-old during his first spell at Santos, but the youngster will have the chance to play alongside Neymar.
On the same day that Neymar’s return to Santos was announced at the end of January, Washington posted a picture of himself alongside the Brazilian icon from several years earlier.
After a disastrous 18 months at Al Hilal, Neymar returned to his boyhood club this year “to rediscover soccer, to rediscover joy”, to use his own words. Teaming up with a youthful compatriot who grew up idolising him could benefit Neymar and Washington.
