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

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

The 19-year-old signed for the Blues in January for £18million from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama but the club were forced to send him back on loan after failing to secure him a work permit. 

But now the Brazilian star – who led his country to glory at the Under-20 World Cup this year – has a chance to show why the club paid so much money for him after getting the green light to jet off to America this summer.

Chelsea are set to play Wrexham, Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund at a number of US cities including Philadelphia and Chicago – and Santos took to social media to confirm he is eligible to link up with his team-mates for the trip.

‘Visa approved!’ the post read on social media alongside a picture of himself and an official who helped him obtain it, with the player adding: ‘Thank you for the advice! Highly recommend.’

Andrey Santos has revealed his US visa has been approved – allowing him to join Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the States 

It will be the perfect chance for him to show his ability, with most of the squad set to be given a clean slate under new manager Pochettino as he looks to eye up who his most trusted players are.

Santos will hope he can thrash out a deal to get his UK work permit in the coming weeks, though 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 obtaining his visa by one point after applying through FIFA.

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

And a rule change is reportedly imminent that will see Premier League and EFL clubs allowed to sign up to four young overseas players – even if they do not qualify for a work permit under current regulations.  

Santos joined the club for £18m in January but has struggled to obtain a work permit in the UK

Santos captained his country to glory at the Under-20 championships with Brazil this summer

When asked about his work permit issues whilst on international duty, Santos replied: ‘I knew I had some chances of not playing [for Chelsea]. 

‘I was confident, but unfortunately I didn’t make it. Life goes on. To be honest, I didn’t know [the requirements] I needed.

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

Reflecting on his time so far with the Brazil senior squad, the central midfielder said: ‘It is an incredible experience. A dream come true, I’m very happy.

‘I feel at home, they welcomed me very well. Being at Casemiro’s side, at the side of an idol, is a dream for me. I’m living a dream, and it’s helping me a lot.

‘And I hope to be able to reciprocate his help on the field and the experience he gave me too.’