Chelsea transfer news as the Blues see fourth deal confirmed in January with questions arising for the sporting directors

Chelsea winger Diego Moreira has confirmed that his loan spell at Lyon has been cut short after failing to make much of an impression after his summer transfer. Moreira arrived for free after reaching the end of his contract at Benfica but was sent out for a shot at first-team football this year after being part of Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-season squad.

Moreira was unable to take advantage of his opportunity, though, not scoring or assisting a single goal in six months. He now returns to the Blues without the prospect of playing much, if any, senior matches for the rest of the campaign.

Having been part of the Chelsea side that faced Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round in August, he has already played for two clubs this season, and rules permit getting minutes at a third. It means that Moreira will either have to challenge for an unlikely spot in Pochettino’s first team or go into the development squad and under-21s.

Moreira is staying positive despite a tricky six months, though. Taking to social media, he wrote, “Lyon supporters, today is the end of my loan with the OL. I wanted to thank you for your welcome from the first day, the first match, and the first steps at Groupama.”These are memories that will forever be etched in my memory. I wish the players as well as the supporters that they achieve their goals in this second part of the season [prayer hands emoji]. Forever in my heart. [hand emoji]. Go the @ol [red and blue heart emoji].”

He arrived to much fanfare as one of the most promising young wingers in Europe but has so far been unable to translate that into men’s football. The 19-year-old has only played 12 senior games in his career so far and will now be tasked with working his way back up the pecking order.