Transfers

Chelsea recall £18m midfielder from unsuccessful loan spell

Chelsea have confirmed that Andrey Santos has been recalled from an unsuccessful loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

The 19-year-old signed for Chelsea from Vasco da Gama last January but remained in his native Brazil until the summer, at which point he was granted a work permit to move to the UK.

Santos featured for the Blues in pre-season under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino and was in their matchday squad for their Premier League curtain-raiser at home to Liverpool, before joining Forest on loan for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite high hopes for the season ahead, Santos played just two games in all competitions at the City Ground under Steve Cooper and was yet to feature at all under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Chelsea have now decided to recall him from his loan.

A statement from Forest read: “Chelsea have recalled midfielder Andrey Santos from his season-long loan at The City Ground. The Brazilian made two appearances for Forest, making his debut against Burnley in the Carabao Cup in August. Everyone at Nottingham Forest wishes Andrey well for the future.”

Chelsea have not yet decided whether to loan Santos out again or keep him in Pochettino’s squad for the remainder of the season. However, he will not be able to join a foreign club on loan as Chelsea have already filled their seven-player quote of loans abroad.

Though Santos has returned to west London, it is being widely reported that fellow young midfielder Alex Matos will be granted a loan exit, with Championship side Huddersfield Town heavily linked with a move for the 19-year-old. Chelsea have previously loaned a number of young players to the Terriers over the last few years, including Levi Colwill, Tino Anjorin, Kasey Palmer and Izzy Brown.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.