Chelsea make another Andrey Santos transfer U-turn

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Jun 2024 13:52 BST
3 min read

Andrey Santos, Strasbourg, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea have once again changed their transfer stance on Andrey Santos, according to a report.

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The Brazilian was hoping to finally have some clarity on his future after a 2023/24 season of plenty of disruptions. The 20-year-old barely featured on loan at Nottingham Forest in the first half of the campaign, while he had a much better time of it at Chelsea's BlueCo affiliate Strasbourg in the second part.

However, the move to the latter wasn't without controversy. It was a transfer born of necessity. During the January window, Santos was away with Brazil for pre-Olympic duties, which meant that clubs were reluctant to sign him as he would have only joined them in February.

With few concrete offers materialising, Santos was moved to Strasbourg on Deadline Day, causing outrage in the fanbase as the Ligue 1 side had wanted experienced reinforcements and wide players instead of a young central midfielder. The decision was ultimately vindicated with Santos impressing in the few games he played.

Santos' future

Initially, it was expected that Santos would again be loaned to the Alsatian club this summer so as to give him a full season free of disruptions to come to grips with European football. However, following the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea head coach, the Blues changed their stance.

The Athletic reported last week that the club bosses had come to the conclusion that Santos was to be kept around and given a role in the first team due to the busy schedule that awaits Chelsea after qualifying for the Conference League.

Now, however, the same outlet reports that the Blues have changed their mind once more. It is asserted that Chelsea have softened their stance and are again open to potentially loaning Santos to Strasbourg.

Ultimately, the plan is still to keep the Brazilian at the club and around the first team next season, and there is an acknowledgement that it could be tough to convince him to leave, but Chelsea are again considering a fresh loan to Ligue 1.