I spoke to God before Chelsea transfer – it wasn’t a mistake but I’m happy to return home

I spoke to God before Chelsea transfer – it wasn’t a mistake but I’m happy to return home

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Chelsea forward Deivid Washington, who re-joined boyhood club Santos on loan during the recent January transfer window, has stuck by his transfer decisions over the past two years.

The 19-year-old signed for what was then Mauricio Pochettino’s side as one of numerous highly-rated youngsters recruited in the current ownerships’ spend in excess of £1bn. In Washington’s case, he was presented a seven-year contract at a £17m transfer fee.

At the time he was playing ahead of years in Santos' Under-20s team though had barely progressed with the senior team when it came to his August 2023 switch to Stamford Bridge.

What was certain was opportunities would grow, though instead he traded it for an English giant with an eye for talent. First team opportunities were fewer though, making only three senior outings with his time spent more often with the Blues’ Under-21s.

"I am very happy. I always wanted to play for Santos first team. I had the opportunity in 2023. Coming back to play now in 2025 is an immense pride [it’s] an immense joy. I hope to help Santos with a lot of joy," the Brazilian has told Gazeta Esportiva.

By his own admission, Washington continued: "I have wanted to return to Santos since there was an option to be loaned.

"I was already in talks. It was my first option, even if there was another team. I wanted to have a history here, even if it was just for a year. I wanted to come here to give everything and win a title and make history here."

And as for the deal that took him away from the club he has now so keenly re-joined for the time being, that is neither a regret despite the lack of senior football it entailed.

"Leaving [18 months ago] was God’s plan. I wanted to stay at Santos, but I spoke to my parents and had the chance to go to Chelsea. We chose together. God spoke to me and we went to Chelsea.

"It was a huge experience, I had great players, like Thiago Silva. I was very lucky to work with them and have this huge experience. It was not a mistake. I left when I had to leave and came back when I had to come back.

"I learned a lot. A lot of experience with incredible players […] every day I learn something new. It was incredible. I learned about tactics, positioning, how to deal with the field.

"Thiago Silva taught me a lot. I’m coming back at a much higher level than in 2023. I hope to help Santos a lot."

In that chat the player, or at least Google's translation, appears to use a lot of past-tense phrases to describe his time in London. Whether this is to signal the end of the venture remains to be seen, with Chelsea able to issue a recall this summer whilst Santos are afforded a buy option next winter.

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