Andrey Santos, a Chelsea prospect, has taken a loan back to his old team, Vasco da Gama.

Up until the end of June, the 18-year-old midfielder will return to Brazil.

Before joining Chelsea in January and reportedly costing the Blues £18 million, Santos assisted Vasco in gaining promotion to the top flight the previous season.

Santos, despite being highly regarded, was unable to obtain a work permit for the United Kingdom, but reports suggest Chelsea is confident he will next year.

Although negotiations were said to have broken down over a disagreement over the loan's term, Palmeiras had reportedly been in the lead for Santos.

It was claimed Chelsea wanted Santos back for next season, whereas Palmeiras wanted him until the end of their campaign, meaning he would not have been back at Stamford Bridge until December.

Santos captained Brazil to success in the South American Under-20 Championship last month, finishing joint-top scorer with six goals.

Vasco acerta o retorno do volante Andrey Santos➡

Bruno N. Soares#VascoDaGama pic.twitter.com/6R8I1EOk0X— Vasco da Gama (@VascodaGama) March 2, 2023