Strasbourg are working on a loan move for Chelsea striker Deivid Washington, potentially reviving a transfer that collapsed two years ago and providing the Brazilian with the senior football he has been seeking.
Chelsea had previously been pushing for a permanent departure, but Strasbourg's interest presents another possible solution for the 21-year-old as the Blues attempt to determine his future.
Strasbourg revive Deivid Washington move
Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto reports that Strasbourg are working on a deal for Washington, with a loan from Chelsea currently under discussion.
No agreement has been reported at this stage, but Strasbourg are a particularly familiar destination because of the relationship between the two clubs.
Chelsea and Strasbourg are both controlled by BlueCo, and several young players have moved between the clubs in recent seasons.
Andrey Santos is among the most prominent examples, having developed during a productive loan spell in France before returning to England.
Washington could now follow the same route, although his connection with Strasbourg stretches back further.
The Brazilian was close to joining the Ligue 1 side two years ago before the transfer was cancelled at the last minute. Strasbourg are now attempting to revive that move.
Chelsea had preferred permanent transfer
A loan would represent a change from Chelsea's previous position on Washington's future.
Reports from Brazil had indicated that the Blues wanted to sell the striker permanently, partly because of restrictions affecting the number of players Chelsea can send out on loan.
That stance complicated interest from Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilian club had discussed Washington with Chelsea for several weeks and favoured a temporary move, while Chelsea were seeking a permanent sale.
Washington's priority appears more straightforward: regular senior football.
The striker is reportedly open to remaining in Europe or returning to Brazil and would consider either a loan or permanent transfer if it provides the playing time he has struggled to secure at Stamford Bridge.
Washington still waiting for Chelsea breakthrough
Chelsea paid €15m (£13m) to sign Washington from Santos in 2023, but opportunities with the first team have been extremely limited.
He has played fewer than 30 senior minutes for Chelsea, spending considerably more time with the club's Under-21 side.
Washington has registered 19 goal contributions in 35 matches at that level, but translating that record into regular senior football has proved difficult.
A loan return to Santos was intended to provide that opportunity. Washington made 20 appearances and scored oncebefore Chelsea recalled him.
Those numbers underline why another temporary move could make sense from a development perspective. At 21, consistent senior minutes are increasingly important after three years in which his opportunities at Chelsea have remained scarce.
However, no Strasbourg agreement has yet been confirmed, and Chelsea's previous preference for a permanent sale means the structure of any deal remains significant.
BlueCo connection could offer Chelsea a solution
Strasbourg's involvement gives Chelsea an option different from the approaches they have received from Brazil.
A move to France would allow Washington to compete for senior football in Ligue 1 while remaining within BlueCo's multi-club structure.
There is also little immediate contractual pressure on Chelsea. Washington is tied to the club until 2030, giving the Blues time to prioritise his development rather than make a sale solely because of an approaching contract expiry.
The central issue is instead playing time. Washington has accumulated limited senior football since leaving Santos, and another season without regular first-team minutes would do little to resolve that problem.
Key Points
- Strasbourg are working on a loan deal for Deivid Washington.
- The striker almost joined Strasbourg two years ago, before the move collapsed.
- Chelsea had previously preferred a permanent sale.
- Atlético Mineiro have also discussed a move but wanted a loan.
- Washington has played fewer than 30 senior minutes for Chelsea.
- He remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030.
What's Next?
Strasbourg and Chelsea will need to establish whether a loan can be agreed despite the Blues previously favouring a permanent transfer.
For Washington, the priority is securing consistent senior football rather than choosing between Europe and Brazil. Strasbourg's existing relationship with Chelsea could make negotiations easier, but the proposed deal remains subject to agreement.
With the transfer window moving towards its closing stages, Chelsea now have to decide whether keeping Washington within the BlueCo structure is preferable to continuing their attempts to secure a permanent sale.
Would a season at Strasbourg be the right move for Deivid Washington?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *