Chelsea beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Newcastle United to secure the signing of highly talented 18-year-old prospect regarded as one of the brightest youngsters in the country.
Chelsea beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Newcastle United to secure the signing of Santos an 18-year-old prospect regarded as one of the brightest youngsters in the country with Vasco da Gama set to receive a transfer fee of €20 million (£17.5m) to part ways with the young Brazilian talent.
Santos extended his contract with Vasco in September, tying him to the team until 2027 and containing a €50 million (£43.8 million) release clause.
Santos has played at the under-16 and under-20 levels for Brazil’s national team.
PSG were the favorite to secure the services for the young Andrey Santos according to reports in France from last month, but the midfielder ultimately decided to join Chelsea.
Due to the fact that N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both have contracts that expire at the end of the current campaign, with Graham Potter’s team currently in the market for new midfielders the next summer.
Santos was promoted to the senior team earlier this year in June after excelling for them at the younger levels. In addition, the report states that the midfielder will travel to west London for a medical and contract signing.
Santos has so far made 36 appearances across all leagues, scoring eight goals. The 18-year-old now plays for the Under-20 level and has previously represented Brazil at the Under-16 level.
Chelsea has been bringing in young players this year, showing that they are considering both the present and the future. Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka were acquired by the Blues ahead of the winter transfer window, while they also acquired teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina from the Chicago Fires.
Santos is most likely going to play for the development team rather than the first team if everything goes according to plan. Although he had some promising moments in Brazil, he will need some time to become used to his new surroundings and grasp the club’s work ethic.