Like many of his Chelsea teammates, Andrey Santos has been linked with an exit this summer. But his latest comments suggest he sees himself only at Stamford Bridge next season.
Signed by Chelsea in January 2023, almost three and a half years ago, Santos is finally a regular in this Chelsea side. It comes after loan spells at boyhood club Vasco, Nottingham Forest, and then Strasbourg.
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His 18 months at Strasbourg saw him become a real star, earning him a place in Chelsea’s team for 2025-26 as well as earning Brazil caps. Many Chelsea fans believe their side are better when Santos starts in it.
His presence alongside Moises Caicedo helps Chelsea look more solid, as well as giving Enzo Fernandez more freedom. But he has been used rotationally, and Santos may decide to leave in the coming months.
Andrey Santos’ hint amid Man United and Inter Milan links
Man United have been loosely linked with signing Santos in the summer, while Inter Milan are said to be interested, according to Italian reports. There will be options for Santos if he decides to go in the summer.
But judging by his latest interview with ESPN, Santos’ comments suggest his only thoughts are on playing for Chelsea next season. He discusses how he hopes Chelsea can improve during the 2026-27 campaign.
Chelsea's Andrey Santos
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Yes, I am surprised [with the way things have gone this season] because we know we have a lot of players with quality. But in the Premier League, it is a little bit hard,” Santos said, when asked about this season.
“We know we can do more, maybe next season. But this season isn’t finished yet, we have the final and two more games. We have to work to arrive as high as possible,” the Blues midfielder continued.
What should Andrey Santos do in the summer?
The Brazilian is set to go to the World Cup this summer with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti. But beyond that, what should Santos do? It could all hinge on who Chelsea appoint as their next manager.
The way Xabi Alonso plays football, it is easy to imagine a player like Santos getting into the starting XI and staying there. Moises Caicedo looks a better player with Santos next to him in a 4-2-3-1 system.
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But Santos is at a crucial stage of his development, and he needs to start games on a regular basis. If an incoming manager uses Santos as Enzo Maresca did, then Santos does need to consider leaving Chelsea.
Man United need midfielders, and with Casemiro leaving, a move to Old Trafford would be great for the Chelsea star. Inter Milan have bodies in midfield but none, really, like Santos. But it looks like he’s staying.
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