Brazilian attacker Lucas Piazon — a former long-time member of Chelsea’s infamous “loan army” — is among several players set to join Persib Bandung’s training camp in Thailand this July. These trialists will aim to impress and secure contracts ahead of the 2025/26 Super League season.
Capable of playing as a second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, Piazon spent nine years on Chelsea’s books but made just one senior appearance for the club. His name became closely associated with the “loan army,” a term used to describe the large contingent of young Chelsea players regularly sent on loan to gain experience and playing time elsewhere. Notable alumni of this system include Mason Mount, Reece James, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and the late Christian Atsu, among others.
Unlike some of his fellow loanees who eventually broke into the first team or moved on to forge successful careers elsewhere, Piazon spent the vast majority of his Chelsea stint away on loan. His journey included spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fulham, and several other clubs, before permanently departing Stamford Bridge in 2021.
Since leaving Chelsea, Piazon has played in Portugal for Braga and AVS, while also enjoying a brief loan spell at Brazilian side Botafogo. He has been openly critical of Chelsea’s loan system, expressing frustration at never being given a genuine opportunity to prove himself in West London.
After registering three assists in 30 appearances for AVS during the 2024/25 season, Piazon is now reportedly one of several players joining Persib on trial in Thailand. Alongside him are former Buriram United defender Kim Min-hyeok, ex-Apollon Limassol right-back Bruno Santos, and Colombian wing-back Junior Palacios, who has played in various American leagues.
With the Super League expanding its foreign player quota from eight to eleven for the 2025/26 season, Persib Bandung have already filled nine of those slots. The squad now includes Argentine duo Luciano Guaycochea and Patricio Matricardi; Brazilian quintet Julio Cesar, William Marcilio, Uilliam Barros, Berguinho, and Ramon Tanque; Welsh goalkeeper Adam Przybek; and, following the quota expansion, Iraqi international defender Frans Putros.