Chelsea forward Deivid Washington is reportedly already considering his options ahead of a January loan exit.
The West Londoners investing in South American talent has become common practice under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez the most notable deals negotiated ahead of their 2025 arrivals.
However, eyebrows were raised when Chelsea paid £17.1m to sign Washington from Santos on the back of the youngster netting just twice in 16 appearances.
Washington has since accumulated just 25 minutes of senior football across three appearances, none of which have come since Enzo Maresca arrived at the club earlier in the summer with planned moves to Strasbourg and Hull City falling through.
Although two goals and one assist have been recorded from five outings in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, it is already anticipated that the 19-year-old will go out on loan in January.
According to Trivela, Washington has certain destinations in mind ahead of interest coming his way over the coming two months,
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly on August 18, 2024© Imago
Where would Washington like to move?
The report suggests that the prospect has a temporary transfer to an English or Portuguese club in mind, rather than moving back to Brazil or signing for BlueCo-owned Strasbourg.
Washington and his family are said to be of the opinion that they wish to remain as close to London as possible having already adapted to life in the city.
Chelsea would also prefer to keep Washington in Europe, there naturally being a hope that he can prove to be a success once he plays senior football on a regular basis.
There is said to be disappointment that Maresca has not taken the opportunity to hand him minutes in the EFL Cup or Conference League, like he has with other young players who have impressed in the academy ranks.
If Washington were to move to another English team, it would likely be in the Championship. Second-tier clubs could plausibly be tempted to take a risk on the unproven Brazilian through eight goals being scored from 14 Premier League 2 outings across the past 15 months.
Luis Freire (coach of Rio Ave) during Liga Portugal game between CF Estrela Amadora and Rio Ave FC at Estadio Jose Gomes, Amadora, Lisbon, Portugal on April 14, 2024 [on August 7, 2024]© Imago
Two Portuguese clubs preparing bid?
Rio Ave and Boavista have each reportedly shown an interest in Washington in the past, making a formal bid at the turn of the year a possibility.
The aforementioned clubs currently possess two of the worst attacking records in Primeira Liga, with Rio Ave netting 10 times in 11 matches and Boavista scoring just the seven times across the same amount of games.
While former club Santos are said to remain an option for Washington, he allegedly wants to prioritise signing for a club in England or Portugal.
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