January snare no.2 in bag for Chelsea as Andrey Santos joins Blues over Newcastle United

Chelsea have made their second January signing, as per Fabrizio Romano, who reports Andrey Santos has signed on a long-term deal.

It is a rare occasion when a transfer window goes by and Chelsea have not been busy. It seems this season will be no different, with Graham Potter’s side already well into business.

The Blues recently announced the signing of Benoit Badiashile. The centre-back has joined from Monaco for a fee of £35million.

Things are not set to stop there, though. Transfer insider Romano has revealed that another man is now on the way through the door at Stamford Bridge.

That man is Vasco de Gama midfielder Santos. The midfielder had been heavily linked with a transfer way from the Brazilian side for some time.

Barcelona and Newcastle United were two of the other sides that were reported to have an interest in the midfielder.

In fact, it was Newcastle who were one of the sides that gave Chelsea the toughest battle. Indeed, the Magpies were revealed to have held talks with Vasco de Gama.

However, they have been pipped to the transfer by their Premier League rivals.

Santos has long-term deal with Chelsea

While he did not reveal the actual length of the stay, Romano revealed Santos has penned a ‘long-term’ contract with Chelsea.

The Blues have made a habit of offering their arrivals lengthy deals of late. Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka are both set to stay at Stamford Bridge until 2028, and Raheem Sterling’s deal expires in 2027.

Despite interest from a host of parties, the transfer for Santos is not one that is all too expensive for Chelsea.

Romano reports that they will pay Vasco de Gama €12.5million (approx £11million).

Santos role up in the air

As yet, it is unclear how much of a role Santos will play at the start of his Chelsea career. He has been a useful asset in Brazil, scoring eight goals in 33 Serie B games in 2022.

However, the jump from that level to the Premier League seems a big one.

What’s more, Santos is only 18, so he might not have a massive role to start with. It would not be a surprise if he was either loaned out, or was given the chance to cut his teeth in the academy.

With that being said, Chukwuemeka is only 19, and he has played five Premier League games this season. He did have the benefit of joining from a Premier League side though.

Whatever the plan is for Santos initially, he will surely be a player the Blues call upon at some point in the future.

He seems to be a player with a lot of promise, and could well have a bright future ahead of him.

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