Liam Rosenior’s appointment as manager has been good news for quite a few players. The Englishman was known for his man-management skills at his previous clubs. That has been on display at Chelsea as well. Joao Pedro is in the form of his life right now. Alejandro Garnacho seems to be growing in confidence, too.
One player who was always expected to benefit from Rosenior’s arrival is Andrey Santos. The two had worked together when the Brazilian was on loan at Strasbourg last season. The English manager had helped him become one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1.
Unsurprisingly, Santos has been getting consistent game time with Rosenior as manager at Chelsea as well. In fact, he has already played more minutes under the Englishman in two months, than he did under Enzo Maresca in the first half of the season.
Despite that, Santos continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. It looks like two of European football’s biggest clubs are interested in signing him.
Santos linked with Man Utd and Juventus despite Chelsea success
According to NTVASCAINOS, an outlet dedicated to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, despite being frequently used by Rosenior, Chelsea’s management does not consider the midfielder ‘untransferable’. Manchester United have emerged as the main contender to win the race for his signing. In addition to the English club, Juventus are also monitoring the situation.
It is worth noting that Vasco da Gama are entitled to 2.5% of the total value of the transfer as the player’s formative club.
Could Santos leave Chelsea this summer?
To be very honest, it does not feel like a likely exit. Santos has grown into an important member of the squad. Parting with him right now makes little sense.
He is still just 21 years of age and is expected to grow further. If there is one midfielder who needs to leave Chelsea, it might be Romeo Lavia. Even though the Belgian is immensely talented, he is constantly injured.
That being said, you can never predict anything. Noni Madueke was an important player last season as well. And he was allowed to depart for Arsenal in the summer.
Chelsea do still need to work under tight financial constraints, having been fined by UEFA last summer. Santos leaving would not be ideal. But if it ends up becoming one of the only possible routes to keep the books balanced, the Blues might end up considering it.
