Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Former Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos looks set to play a key role at Manchester United this season, and Rio Ferdinand believes the Blues are going to regret completing that sale.
The deal for Santos to leave Stamford Bridge has gone under the radar this summer, with him only spending one season as a first team player there.
Plenty was promised of the Brazilian during his loan spell at Strasbourg, however he was unable to break into a midfield that consisted of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Reece James.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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Rio Ferdinand thinks Andrey Santos will thrive at Manchester United
Santos has been a regular during United’s pre-season campaign, with Ferdinand watching his early performances closely.
The United legend has stated on the club’s YouTube channel that he believes Chelsea are going to regret letting the youngster leave this summer, and has been impressed with what he has seen in pre-season.
He said: “I think Santos, I think, will grow into a player that people will go, “How did we get him out of Chelsea?
Manchester United v Leeds United - Pre-Season Friendly
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“I think he’s going to have an important role to play over the next few years. And even the bits I’ve seen of him so far in pre season, he just looks comfortable and just calm and two, I think, very sensible good signings.”
Santos has usually been partnering Mason Mount in midfield, with the two never crossing paths during their respective tenures.
However, the Englishman has suffered another injury setback, continuing with the trend of how his time has gone at Old Trafford.
Xabi Alonso on Marco Palestra
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Chelsea’s midfield business not yet over
So far, Chelsea have sold Santos and brought in Jordan Henderson, as well as Valentin Barco who can play in midfield.
Neither option is expected to make a significant impact on the pitch next season, however the need to bring in another option may only be intensified if Fernandez departs.
The Blues have set a 5pm deadline on Friday for Manchester City to meet their £120m valuation to sell the player, in theory giving them enough time to sign a replacement.
Alex Scott and Adam Wharton have emerged as the top targets to come in should the Blues need to move for another top midfielder.