FC Porto have made an approach to Chelsea for teenage midfielder Andrey Santos, as per a report from Portuguese publication Record.
Under their new ownership, Chelsea have stockpiled a good number of the best young players in world football, including some elite talents from South America. 19-year-old Brazil international Santos signed for the club in January from Vasco Da Gama for £10.6m before returning to the Brazilian club on loan.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was said to be willing to assess the youngster in preseason, but the offer from Porto may mean that the Brazil U-20 captain leaves Chelsea earlier than expected.
Portuguese giants Porto are set to offer a loan-plus-buy-option deal to Chelsea for the youngster to join them this summer as manager Sergio Conceicao rates him very highly. They have scheduled medicals, according to Record, and the teenage star is set to make the move.
Chelsea set to send Andrey Santos to FC Porto
Chelsea signed Santos in the tenure of Graham Potter, but if Pochettino does not see him as a right fit tactically and technically for his team, he will be keen to move him on. The club can expect to make a profit on him after his exploits at the Sub-20 Copa America and FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Porto appreciate Andrey Santos since January, they asked for him twice — but at the moment there’s no agreement with Chelsea 🔵🇧🇷 #CFC
Porto like Andrey and they’d love to have him on loan but Chelsea have not decided anything.
Pochettino will see him in pre season then decide. pic.twitter.com/4lkX3qltmG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2023
Santos will get good game time in Portugal as FC Porto have just lost first-choice defensive midfielder Matheus Uribe this summer. The 19-year-old is a tailor-made replacement for Uribe and will slot into the team. He will also get the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League.
A move to Portugal will be good for all parties as it could turn out to be beneficial. Santos will be following in the footsteps of idol Casemiro, who honed his talents on loan at Porto before starring for Real Madrid.
