Chelsea FC are forging ahead with plans to integrate young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos into their first-team squad for the 2025-26 season, club sources confirmed today.
The 20-year-old, currently on loan at sister club RC Strasbourg Alsace, has long been viewed as a cornerstone of Chelsea’s long-term project, and his standout performances in Ligue 1 have solidified his place in the Blues’ future.
Santos, who joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, has impressed during his stint in France, showcasing versatility, composure, and a knack for dictating play.
His development at Strasbourg—part of the BlueCo multi-club network—has been closely monitored by Chelsea’s coaching staff, led by Enzo Maresca, who see him as ready to step up.
“Andrey’s always been in our plans,” a club insider said. “What he’s doing now just confirms what we’ve known all along—he’s key for us.”
The impending arrival of Dario Essugo, another promising midfielder linked with a move to Chelsea, will not alter the club’s commitment to Santos, sources stressed.
Despite the depth Essugo could add, Chelsea view Santos as a distinct talent with a defined role in next season’s setup.
The two youngsters are expected to complement rather than compete, aligning with the club’s strategy of building a robust, youthful core.
Fans praises Santos’s displays in France. “Andrey’s the real deal—can’t wait to see him at the Bridge,” one supporter wrote.
After loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, Santos’s return to Stamford Bridge is now firmly on the horizon, marking a significant step in Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild.
