Chelsea teenager Deivid Washington unites with Neymar as striker completes Santos loan move with option to buy just 18 months after €20m move from Brazilian side

Chelsea splashed out €20 million (£17m/$22m) on Santos starlet Washington in August 2023 but after making just three senior appearances, the 19-year-old is back at the Brazilian side until the end of 2025 on loan.

The club's confirmed the return of their former player on a deal that runs until December 31 and with the option to purchase him on a permanent basis before next season.

The fact that there is an option to buy illustrates that Chelsea are prepared to cut their losses on the costly forward. How much Santos can afford, if the loan move goes well, remains to be seen.

Washington, who began his career at Santos, could feature for the Brazilian giants away at Internacional de Limeira on Sunday.