Andrey Santos’ evolution from a promising yet untested talent to a midfield dynamo at Strasbourg has not gone unnoticed.
The 20-year-old Brazilian, who struggled for minutes at Nottingham Forest, has found his stride in Ligue 1, becoming a linchpin in Liam Rosenior’s setup.
With nine 10 and five assists in 31 appearances, Santos has not only earned the captain’s armband in Habib Diarra’s absence but also clinched Player of the Month honours, leading under-21 midfielders across Europe in several key statistics.
Is It Finally Time for Andrey Santos To Join Chelsea?
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are reportedly planning to integrate Santos into their first-team squad for the 2025/26 season.
Despite a crowded midfield featuring Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and the injury-prone Roméo Lavia, Santos’ versatility and maturity make him a compelling option.
Maresca himself hinted at this, stating, “If Andrey [Santos] continues in the way he is playing, he could be an option for us.”
However, Santos’ stellar performances have attracted attention beyond Stamford Bridge.
Bayern Munich, AC Milan, PSG, Tottenham and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring his progress, indicating that Chelsea may face competition to retain their rising star.
The Blues are unlikely to sell their young star to a direct rival, giving the advantage to European clubs outside of England.
However, Santos joined the project to eventually play for Chelsea, and as a starter.
The Brazilian has expressed his ambition to break into Chelsea’s first team, acknowledging the challenges but remaining optimistic.
“It’s a dream to play for Chelsea, where I was bought. I understand that it’s hard for a Brazilian to arrive and, right away, start playing for a big team in Europe.” – Andrey Santos.
Given his rapid development and the strategic alignment between Chelsea and their sister club Strasbourg, it’s plausible that Santos will don the blue jersey at Stamford Bridge next season.
And while he is enjoying life at Strasbourg, should the Chelsea dream not work out sooner rather than later, Chelsea could lose the young Brazilian for good.
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What He Brings to the Table
Santos isn’t just another ‘promising talent’ Chelsea can afford to loan out endlessly. He could genuinely fix a problem. While Fernández and Caicedo have been putting in the hard yards, the loanee can still add to an already fruitful midfield.
Santos is a progressive passer, calm under pressure, and capable of timing runs into the box.
Not to mention, he brings goal contributions to the table – something Chelsea are desperate for.
“Andrey Santos can score goals, he can create goals, he can defend, he can link the defence to the forward and he can control games.
“Technically he’s a very good player and he has improved a lot since last season.” – Emmauel Petiti speaking to Poker Firma.
That kind of all-round profile, especially with his current Ligue 1 form, is rare at just 20 years old. More than his numbers maturity he’s shown at Strasbourg that should give Chelsea pause.
“I think he has shown so much maturity and personality this season and that’s why Strasbourg are fighting for a European place.” – Emmanuel Petit.
He dictates tempo, connects defence and attack, and leads by example.
Maresca’s system needs someone who can do more than just recycle possession. Santos is box-to-box with brains – and right now, Chelsea could use exactly that.
If he’s not recalled this summer, they might just watch another solution slip through their fingers.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 12.04.2025