Chelsea confirm loan exit of forgotten £17m signing

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of striker Deivid Washington, who has returned to Santos on an initial loan deal.

19-year-old Washington joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £17m after impressing in Santos' youth setup and making his senior breakthrough in the months prior, but his career at Stamford Bridge failed to progress.

Washington was a regular for Chelsea's Under-21 side but managed just three senior appearances for a combined total of 25 minutes, none of which came this season.

A loan return to Santos was earmarked several weeks ago, with Chelsea keeping an overseas loan spot available in anticipation of confirming the move. The Brazilian transfer window remains open until later this month, meaning there was no rush to get a deal done.

In their confirmation of the move, Santos confirmed they have an option to sign Washington permanently when his loan contract ends on December 31, 2025.

The Athletic add there is a break clause in the loan deal which Chelsea can trigger this summer. Santos have not paid a loan fee but will cover the entirety of the striker's wages.

Washington was one of two young Brazilian forwards to swap Santos for Chelsea in 2023. Winger Angelo arrived for a reported £13m but, after a successful loan with Strasbourg, was sold to Al Nassr for £19m just one year later.

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