Chelsea sign Andrey Santos – “Mix of Guimarães & Casemiro”

3. Youngster transfer for Blues

After striker David Datro Fofana (20) and defender Benoît Badiashile (21), Chelsea have signed Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, their third top talent this winter transfer window. The 18-year-old’s youth club Vasco da Gama Rio de Janeiro on Friday confirmed the departure of by far their most valuable player to Stamford Bridge. Since goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina (18) is also with the Blues, at least for the time being after his direct loan back to Chicago Fire, the Londoners currently have a new youngster in the squad for each part of the team.

The information about the fee for Andrey Santos fluctuated before the turn of the year. If the Brazilian media were still assuming before Christmas that Chelsea could pay up to 40 million euros, the right foot would have become the most expensive teenager in the club’s history, wrote including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shortly before the turn of the year from a fixed around 12.5 million, more could come in bonuses – in the end over 20 million euros. Vasco should only receive 70 percent of the transfer fee, the remaining 30 percent are said to go to the player side. Chelsea’s spending this season is approaching the €350m mark, based on the €12.5m figure. With this sum, Andrey Santos is the fourth most expensive player this summer.

Andrey Santos was one of the high-flyers of the past season in Brazil, secured a regular spot just before his 18th birthday and quickly became the most important player in the team, which ultimately celebrated its return to the top flight. Andrey Santos scored eight goals in 33 games in midfield, most recently being called up for the U20 South American Championship next January in Colombia.

Andrey Santos: Chelsea secure versatile Copinha star

“He’s just a very versatile central midfielder,” Brazilian football expert and host of the YouTube account “Tactical Manager” Filippo Silva told Transfermarkt.us. “By versatile, I mean he’s good at going forward, scoring goals, moving the ball forward and very good at tackling and interceptions. He is very technically skilled and has a lot of athleticism. Despite his young age, he is more than an average player in both categories.”

Although Vasco da Gama has played in the second division for the past two seasons, the traditional club in Brazil is still a very big club. This in turn means that young players are immediately under pressure to perform. And Andrey Santos has not only performed but also played a key role for the club, acting almost like a playmaker from deep.

Chelsea FC a big step for Andrey Santos – Blues must show patience

“The league itself isn’t great, but it’s a tough league to compete in,” says Silva. “The conditions on the pitch are not the best, the weather and the environment are difficult. So to do it at 18 is pretty impressive.” Nonetheless, Silva admits that the leap from Brazil’s second division to the Premier League will be a huge one for Andrey Santos. With that in mind, he stresses that Chelsea need to be patient as they integrate the talent. “Most Brazilians take a while to adjust; even big names like Casemiro and Vinicius Junior needed a few seasons,” said Silva. According to the expert, it would be best to lend the 18-year-old or give him another season in Brazil.

“I know they are different players but it took Vinicius Junior three years to impress at Real Madrid,” said Silva. “I would be surprised if Andrey Santos manages to make a big impact before he turns 20. It’s not impossible, but patience will be key.”

Chelsea signing Andrey Santos: A bit like Guimaraes and Casemiro

In terms of comparable players, Silva highlights Jude Bellingham, Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro. “I wouldn’t say that they have the same level, but maybe a mixture of Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro,” says Silva. “In terms of playing style, some have mentioned Bellingham but I don’t think he’s that dynamic.” Silva has no doubts that with patience, Chelsea will be able to sign a top midfielder. “He has what it takes to be world class, but that doesn’t mean he’ll reach it,” says Silva. “But he is one of Brazil’s most highly rated U20 players and is expected to become a key player for the national team at some point.”

Text by Marius Soyke & Manuel Veth

To home page