Those working at Chelsea had to keep their eyes peeled across Europe last season in order to monitor every player they had on loan around the world.
Two of the most successful loanees have already been sold this summer. Ian Maatsen has made the move to Aston Villa, while Omari Hutchinson’s spell at Ipswich Town has now been made permanent.
A number of those who were away last season have been spotted in the early sessions under Enzo Maresca at Cobham, no doubt keen to prove they should be involved.
A lot of them will be given a chance on the tour of the United States, and one player in particular will be looking to replicate his good showings last summer.
Andrey Santos was loaned out off the back of a successful pre-season, something he told PL Brazil that came as a surprise to him.
Andrey Santos surprised he was loaned out by Chelsea
He said: “They [Nottingham Forest] made me feel very comfortable. I also wanted to stay, but at that moment, even to continue my career development, it was important for me to be getting minutes on the field.
“It was a bit of a surprise (to have left on loan), but I understand that it is part of the process. It is very difficult for a young person who comes from Brazil to play abroad, especially in the Premier League.”
The fact that reports have stated that he was told a number of weeks ago to prepare for pre-season with the Blues suggests that they would like to take a look at him in action under the new manager.
There is still serious competition for places in the midfield at Stamford Bridge, and they have been added to this summer already with the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Given the fact he had the best season of his career under Maresca at Leicester, it can be believed he will have a big part to play in the middle of the park for the Blues.
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