Chelsea were one of the most active clubs in the summer with plenty of incomings and departures throughout the transfer window.
The Blues generated a lot of revenue by selling several players, who are surplus to their requirements heading into the 2025/226 season.
Another player who was almost on the verge of moving out of Stamford Bridge was Andrey Santos as the Brazilian had suitors from Saudi Arabia and even rivals Arsenal were interested in him.
Santos has had a tumultuous ride ever since he joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in 2023.
The 21-year-old endured a tough loan spell at Nottingham Forest before he was loaned out to sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1 where he reignited his form and delivered some impressive performances.
He eventually, made his debut for Chelsea in last season’s Club World Cup and expects to play a bigger role in midfield under manager Enzo Maresca.
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The Brazilian youngster brings a dynamism and energy to this already stacked Chelsea midfield. Santos is an all-round midfield prodigy who has capability of progressing and destroying at the same time.
What reason did Santos gave for staying at Chelsea?
As per reports via The Mirror, Chelsea received a £59.5m ($80.3m) bid from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah but given the midfielder’s reluctance, the Blues rejected any advances.
Santos has earned three international caps for Brazil and is eager to feature in the World Cup next year for the Selecaos.
Hence, he declined any offer to move out of Stamford Bridge despite their offers of a better pay package.
“The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup,” Santos told on Trivela via Mirror. “I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.”
Chelsea hierarchies were skeptical about Santos’ ability to feature for the Blues after his struggle at Forest.
However that narrative quickly changed after he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season and managed to break into Chelsea’s team this season.
The youngster has featured in three Premier League matches this season and is enjoying life at West London.
Speaking about his role at Chelsea, Santos shared, “I really enjoy playing defensive midfielder, I even think it’s my main position, because I grew up as a defensive midfielder.”
“But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a bit further forward, but I feel comfortable playing in both positions.”
Santos was called by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, and he made a late substitute appearance against Chile as the Selecaos registered a 3-0 win in the World Cup qualifiers.
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