Chelsea
Chelsea may have already decided they want to sell Deivid Washington this summer. However, finding a solution is proving far more complicated than simply putting him on the market.
A report from Brazil’s Trivela explains the 21-year-old’s situation in detail. It reveals that the striker’s priority is straightforward: he simply wants to play. Whether that happens in Europe or back in Brazil is not a major concern. He would be open to either a loan or a permanent move.
The problem is that Chelsea don’t have the same flexibility. We recently covered Atlético Mineiro’s interest, with the Brazilian club quickly discovering the biggest obstacle to any deal. They want a loan, while Chelsea are pushing for a permanent transfer.
Chelsea’s position creates a difficult market
According to Trivela, Chelsea’s stance is influenced by the regulations surrounding outgoing loans.
Premier League and FIFA rules limit the number of players clubs can send out on loan. This reduces Chelsea’s room to manoeuvre with members of their oversized squad.
The restrictions also limit the number of players who can be loaned between the same clubs abroad. As a result, another obvious destination such as Strasbourg is less straightforward than it may once have been.
That helps explain why Chelsea are trying to secure a permanent sale instead. The difficulty, however, is that Deivid Washington has had almost no opportunity to build his value. He arrived from Santos for around €15m (£13m) in 2023.
He has played fewer than 30 senior minutes for Chelsea. He has spent most of his time with the club’s U21 side, where he has managed 19 goal contributions in 35 appearances.
A loan return to Santos last year also failed to reignite his career, bringing just one goal in 20 matches before Chelsea recalled him because of their loan quota.
Another victim of Chelsea’s crowded squad?
Trivela argue Deivid Washington’s situation reflects a wider issue within Chelsea’s recruitment strategy over recent years.
The Brazilian finds himself buried in a queue of centre-forwards that now includes João Pedro, Liam Delap and new signing Emmanuel Emmegha. Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson and David Datro Fofana also remain part of the picture for now. Some are expected to leave before the window closes.
That level of competition has left opportunities extremely limited for another highly-rated youngster.
The report also points to other Brazilian prospects who struggled to establish themselves after arriving at Stamford Bridge. Ângelo never made a senior appearance before leaving permanently. Meanwhile, Andrey Santos eventually rebuilt his reputation through Strasbourg before earning a move to Manchester United.
Despite everything, Deivid Washington is still only 21 and remains under contract until 2030 after signing the long-term deal that has become common under Chelsea’s current ownership.
For the player himself, the objective is quite clear. He wants regular first-team football, wherever that may be.
For Chelsea, the picture is more complicated. The Blues want a permanent sale. But after three years with so little senior football, convincing another club to meet their demands may prove easier said than done.