Chelsea has officially concluded Diego Moreira’s loan spell at Lyon, with the 19-year-old winger returning to Stamford Bridge. Moreira, who arrived on a free transfer from Benfica in the summer, made appearances in the Carabao Cup second-round victory over Wimbledon in August and was also on the bench for a Premier League clash with Luton Town before heading to France.
During his time at Lyon, Moreira managed just nine appearances in all competitions, starting four times in Ligue 1 for a team currently embroiled in a relegation battle. His loan has been cut short, and having already played for two teams this season – Chelsea and Lyon – he is ineligible to join another side. As a result, he may remain with Mauricio Pochettino’s first team, potentially featuring at the Under-21 level.
The impact Moreira will have over the second half of the season remains uncertain, but his departure from Lyon could be significant for Chelsea as they look to reorganize their loaned players this month.
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Chelsea began January with a full quota of overseas loans, but the returns of Moreira and striker David Datro Fofana, who has joined Burnley, provide the Blues with extra flexibility to send players on loan outside the Premier League. Ian Maatsen has already taken one of those spots with his move to Borussia Dortmund, and players like Andrey Santos, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malang Sarr are potential candidates to fill the remaining place.
Chelsea currently has Kepa Arrizabalaga, Angelo, Romelu Lukaku, and Gabriel Slonina out on loan across Europe. Additionally, Hakim Ziyech’s temporary stay with Galatasaray is believed to include a conditional obligation to make the move permanent next summer.