Chelsea to send £17m recruit back to his childhood club on loan

• Deivid Washington has allegedly consented to join Santos on a loan agreement. 

• The Brazilian teenager experienced few chances with the first team at Chelsea. 

• Washington will have the opportunity to join forces with Neymar again in Brazil. 

Chelsea have chosen to loan their talented young striker Deivid Washington to his childhood club Santos for one year, as reported by several sources. 

Washington joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a deal that may increase to as high as £17m. The Brazilian forward has dedicated a significant portion of his initial 18 months in west London playing for the under-21 team, receiving only three brief appearances from Mauricio Pochettino last season. Enzo Maresca has included the 19-year-old in just one matchday roster. 

The Blues are facing a striker injury crisis, as Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson are both out until at least April due to muscular problems. In spite of the lack of centre-forwards, Washington does not have a definite route to the first team. 

While he persists in his pursuit of senior football, Washington has consented to a brief return to Santos as reported by The Athletic. The Brazilian is anticipated to sign a one-year contract to span the full 2025 domestic season in his country. 

It is said that a break clause will be added, allowing Chelsea to recall Washington during the European summer if they wish, prior to the 2025/26 season—similar to the approach the club took for Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino this year. 

Santos have evaded a loan charge but will pay Washington's full salary. 

Washington will not only have consistent access to more playing time, as he was frequently utilized as an 18-year-old during his initial period at Santos, but this young talent will also get the opportunity to play with Neymar. 

On the same day that Neymar's comeback to Santos was revealed at the end of January, Washington shared a photo of himself with the Brazilian star from several years ago. 

Following a difficult 18 months at Al Hilal, Neymar came back to his childhood club this year "to regain soccer, to regain happiness", in his own words. Collaborating with a young peer who admired him while growing up may prove advantageous for Neymar and Washington.