Andrey Santos Emerges as Chelsea Star After Loan Spells

LONDON, England — Andrey Santos has made an impact at Chelsea after a rocky start to his career in European football. The 21-year-old midfielder signed with Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for €12.5 million (approximately US$14.5 million) in January 2023. However, he continued playing in Brazil until June of that year.

Santos’s first loan spell at Nottingham Forest from August 2023 did not go as planned. He played only one match in the EFL Cup and just seven minutes in his sole Premier League appearance. Despite the disappointment, Santos found success during a subsequent loan to RC Strasbourg from February 2024 to May 2025, scoring 10 goals in 32 Ligue 1 games.

In December 2025, Santos made headlines as he participated in the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, contributing to the team’s unexpected victory. Since then, he has regularly appeared for Chelsea, with the club valuing him at €35 million (US$40.8 million) due to his potential.

Juventus has shown interest in Santos, as they look to rebuild and could let go of current players to make room for younger talent. With clubs like Chelsea keen on acquiring him, Santos’s future remains uncertain. Chelsea has incorporated him into their first team, giving him time in five Premier League matches this season, but he has yet to secure a consistent starting position.

As discussions about potential transfers unfold, the young Brazilian may reconsider joining Juventus if he feels they are not positioned to compete for major titles.