‘Confident’ Chelsea handed £18m boost with Andrey Santos’ work permit ‘very advanced’

Chelsea believe they are making progress on securing a work permit for Andrey Santos, according to reports.

The 18-year-old was acquired from Vasco da Gama last month for a fee of around £18 million, which saw Santos pen a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s a very big opportunity for me,” he said last month. “This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited.

“The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here.”

Santos became the third signing of an eventual eight signings at Chelsea in January, but is currently away on national team duty with Brazil for the U20 South American Championship.

READ MORE: How Andrey Santos convinced Chelsea to allow him to play at the U20 Championship

He has captained Brazil and scored five goals in six appearances at the tournament in Colombia, with them now due to face Colombia and Uruguay this weekend.

One major reason for Chelsea allowing Santos to join up with the Brazil squad was to boost his chances of landing a work permit.

The process remains ongoing with Chelsea hoping to have Santos in the squad for the second part of the season.

Following the midfielder’s performance, it should boost their chances of obtaining a permit, however a Plan B has been made just in case they are unsuccessful.

It was claimed by UOL in Brazil that the plan would be to loan Santos back to a side in Brazil who have qualified for the Copa Libertadores in order to get the work permit.

Eight clubs have qualified for the competition, including Palmeiras, but Chelsea are hoping to keep hold of the teenager.

Now Fabrizio Romano reports Chelsea ‘feel there will be no issues’ in obtaining Santos’ work permit.

It’s stated that the process is already ‘very advanced’ and Graham Potter’s side remain confident of receiving the green light soon.

Santos is due to return to Chelsea before the end of the month and all concerned will be hoping the permit is in place ready for the teenager to slot straight into the squad at Cobham.