Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos has his US visa APPROVED ahead of pre-season tour

Chelsea teenage star Andrey Santos has been granted a US visa allowing him to join the players on their pre-season tour of the United States as he looks to impress new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The 19-year-old signed for the Blues in January for £18 million from Brazil’s Vasco da Gama, but the club had to send him back on loan after failing to get him a work permit.

But now the Brazilian star – who led his country to victory at this year’s Under-20 World Cup – has a chance to show why the club paid so much money for him after he was given the green light to move to America this summer. to fly.

Chelsea will play against Wrexham, Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund in a number of US cities, including Philadelphia and Chicago.

‘Visa approved!’ the post read on social media alongside a photo of himself and an official helping him obtain it, with the player adding, “Thanks for the advice! Highly recommended.’

Andrey Santos has revealed his US visa has been approved, allowing him to join Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the United States, following a frustrating start to his Blues career since joining

It will be the perfect chance for him to show what he can do as most of the squad is ready to get a clean slate under new manager Pochettino as he tries to figure out who his most trusted players are. are.

Santos hopes he can strike a deal to get his work permit in the UK in the coming weeks, although that is seen as ‘a formality’, according to the Evening Standard, thanks to rule changes and his recent achievements.

When Santos first joined Chelsea, he missed out on getting his visa by one point after applying through FIFA.

But he has since made his debut for Brazil’s senior team, playing in the country’s top division and also winning the U20 championships.

And a rule change is reportedly in the works that will allow Premier League and EFL clubs to sign up to four young foreign players – even if they are not eligible for a work permit under current regulations.

When asked about his work permit issues while on international duty, Santos replied: “I knew I had some opportunities not to play [for Chelsea].

“I was confident, but unfortunately I didn’t make it. Life goes on. Frankly, I didn’t know [the requirements] I needed.

Santos joined the club in January for £18 million but struggles to get a work permit in the UK

Santos led his country to victory at the Under-20 Championships with Brazil this summer

“As far as I know, I have to play in Serie A and I have to go to the Under-20 World Cup. I’m pretty calm. I do my best at my club to achieve my goals.’

Reflecting on his time so far with the Brazil senior team, the central midfielder said: “It’s been an incredible experience. A dream come true, I am very happy.

‘I feel at home, they have welcomed me very well. To be by the side of Casemiro, by the side of an idol, is a dream for me. I’m living a dream and it helps me a lot.

“And I hope to be able to reciprocate his help on the field and the experience he has given me.”