Chelsea are reportedly preparing to sell young midfielder Andrey Santos at the end of the season, with a significant profit expected from his sale.
After joining the Blues in January 2023 for £18 million from Vasco da Gama, much was anticipated from the talented 20-year-old Brazilian. Widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in South American football, Santos was even compared to Premier League star Douglas Luiz for his box-to-box abilities. However, his journey at Chelsea has not unfolded as expected, and it now appears that the club is ready to cash in on his rising stock.
Despite high hopes for the midfielder, Santos has found it difficult to break into the Chelsea first team, having failed to make a competitive appearance for the Premier League side. After a series of loan spells, Santos is currently thriving at French club Strasbourg, where he has been since February 2024. His performances in Ligue 1 have been impressive, with eight goals and three assists in 21 matches across all competitions this season. The young Brazilian’s form has earned him recognition, and Chelsea are reportedly impressed with his development, setting the stage for his return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
While Chelsea may opt to bring Santos back to London, sources indicate that the club sees him primarily as a “pure profit player.” This means that, rather than being integrated into the first team, Santos is viewed as a valuable asset for a potential sale. Chelsea are reportedly ready to sell the midfielder for a significant profit, with interest from numerous clubs across Europe. Santos himself, having tasted regular first-team football in Strasbourg, has made it clear that he expects a substantial role if he is to remain at Chelsea.
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Santos’ manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, has been full of praise for the Brazilian, drawing comparisons to Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning captain, Dunga. Rosenior highlighted Santos’ maturity and intelligence on the field, noting that he plays well beyond his years. His ability to control matches, win duels, and contribute goals has been pivotal to Strasbourg’s success this season, as they sit mid-table in Ligue 1. Rosenior’s confidence in Santos’ future underlines the player’s growing reputation in European football.
While Santos is thriving at Strasbourg, Chelsea’s plans for him remain uncertain. With other young players also facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, including Malo Gusto, Chelsea could see multiple departures in the coming months. The club is reportedly focused on strengthening their attack, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap named as a top target. Delap’s impressive form in the Championship has drawn attention, and Chelsea are keen to bolster their squad with a top-tier striker in the summer.
As Chelsea looks ahead to the summer transfer window, Santos’ future will be one of the key storylines. His potential sale for a significant profit could play a role in the club’s plans to reinvest in the squad. Whether he returns to Chelsea or moves elsewhere, his rise in France has certainly caught the eye, and the club’s decision on his future will be closely watched. With clubs across Europe showing interest, it seems likely that Santos’ time at Chelsea could soon come to an end, but his potential transfer could help the club further shape their squad for the seasons ahead.
