Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has received his work permit to play in England this season, according to the Evening Standard.
The Blues signed the promising teenager from Vasco da Gama for around £18 million in January but he could not join them due to work permit issues.
He applied twice for a permit but was refused on both occasions. He went to the South American Youth Championship with the Brazil Under-20 squad, starring for them as they won the title.
Santos returned to Vasco on loan, but Chelsea believed he would get his permit before the start of the new season.
The 19-year-old has joined the club for pre-season training. He hopes to impress manager Mauricio Pochettino to keep him around the first-team squad.
He got off to a good start last night as the Blues defeated Wrexham in their pre-season friendly.
Chelsea won 5-0, and Santos was one of the young players that caught the eye. He demanded the ball in the build-up phase and showed up in good areas to take it.
He also organised his teammates while showing his ability to break up opposition play.
There are still some deficiencies he needs to eradicate before he can become a regular starter, but he is an exciting talent.
A loan deal for Santos is still a possibility. Chelsea have not confirmed whether he will be part of Pochettino’s plans for the season.
Santos will focus on readying himself for the new season with Chelsea in Philadelphia as they prepare for the Premier League Summer Series.
They will play against Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday as they continue to prepare for the new campaign.
The Blues start their season at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool on August 14.
