Thiago Silva is predicting that one Chelsea loanee has a massive future ahead of him.
The likes of Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill have benefited so much from the loan system in recent years.
So, who’s the next young star to emerge at Stamford Bridge after plying their trade out on loan?
There’s been so many Chelsea-owned talents playing first-team football elsewhere this season, with certain individuals really starting to make a name for themselves.
For example, Omari Hutchinson is now on the brink of promotion from the Championship with Ipswich Town. Also, Ian Maatsen is competing in the Champions League semi-final with Borussia Dortmund.
Thiago Silva mentions Chelsea youngster
Chelsea veteran defender Thiago Silva, whose summer exit has now been confirmed, has singled out a Blues youngster he’s particularly excited about moving forward.
The Brazilian legend has spoke highly of fellow countryman Andrey Santos.
Chelsea’s Santos, who turned 20 this week, has been playing his football out on loan this campaign. He was at Nottingham Forest for the first half of the season and struggled for minutes, but he’s been enjoying a much better time since joining Strasbourg on loan in the New Year.
Silva wrote on his Instagram story (3 May): “Happy birthday. You have a wonderful future ahead… @AndreySantos_5.”
Watch out for Andrey Santos
We definitely agree with Silva that Santos is a Chelsea youngster to keep a special eye on.
The Brazilian central midfielder is now thriving in Ligue 1 since he’s been given the opportunity to play regularly, something not afforded to him at Forest.
Santos won the Ligue 1 young player of the month award with Strasbourg earlier this year.
We’re intrigued to see whether there’s room for him in the first-team squad yet at Stamford Bridge. If not, the 20-year-old should continue his development elsewhere.