Chelsea could welcome FOURTH January return as club ‘intends’ to terminate loan move

Diego Moreira could return to Chelsea this month after Lyon’s latest intention to terminate the loan deal early.

The 19-year-old made the switch to the Ligue 1 side last summer, however has failed to make a positive impression in the first half of the 2023/24 season.

After featuring for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon on August 30, Moreira made the switch to Lyon, but he has only featured nine times in all competitions.

Moreira has played under three managers for Lyon. He was brought in under Laurent Blanc, who was replaced by Fabio Grosso in September. However, Grosso only lasted two month and was succeeded by Pierre Sage in November.

Chelsea have already seen David Datro Fofana – who has now joined Burnley for the rest of the season -, Andrey Santos, and Cesare Casadei return from their loan spells at Union Berlin, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, respectively, early.

Now, as reported by Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, a fourth is set to return as Lyon intends to put an end to the loan of Moreira in France.

Lyon are eyeing a move for Everton’s Arnaut Danjuma, who wants to join the club this month.

The success rate of Chelsea’s 2023-24 loan decisions has been far from ideal. Moreira will be unable to make another loan move for the rest of the season due to already playing for two clubs.

Moreira will likely head to the Under-21s. He has already made three Premier League 2 appearances this term.

Meanwhile, Armando Broja faces an uncertain future at Chelsea, who are willing to listen to offers for the Albania international this month amid a valuation in excess of £35 million.