Chelsea consider late £59.5m bid for midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea Stand Firm on Andrey Santos Amid Huge Offers

Chelsea’s refusal to part ways with Andrey Santos this summer highlights just how much faith the club places in the young Brazilian. According to The Mirror, the midfielder was the subject of two extraordinary bids, including one from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah worth up to £59.5 million. Despite the money on offer, both Chelsea and the player resisted, with Santos determined to stake his claim in West London.

Santos and Maresca’s Confidence

At just 20 years old, Santos is still waiting for his first Chelsea start, having played only 48 minutes across three Premier League appearances this season. Yet manager Enzo Maresca has made his intentions clear. Following a strong loan spell with Strasbourg, Santos was reintegrated into the squad and even featured at the Club World Cup.

Maresca reaffirmed his stance after the opening-day draw with Crystal Palace: “First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us.” He added further praise, noting: “He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo’s positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well.”

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Interest From Saudi Arabia and West Ham

The Saudi bid was not the only approach. West Ham also tested Chelsea’s resolve with an offer up to £45 million in August, but this too was rejected. For Santos, his ambitions lie not in the Middle East but in securing a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Future Role in Chelsea’s Midfield

While Santos currently finds himself behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order, his performances, including a lively cameo against West Ham, suggest he is pushing ever closer to regular minutes. Chelsea’s midfield has depth, but there is a growing sense that Santos will be trusted as the campaign unfolds.

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Chelsea fans are rightly excited by this development. Rejecting offers in excess of £50 million for a player who has not yet started a Premier League game underlines just how highly rated Santos is within the club. Supporters will feel reassured that the ownership and Maresca are prioritising the long-term vision over short-term profit.

However, some may be sceptical. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo locking down midfield positions, questions remain about how many opportunities Santos will realistically get this season. The Champions League might present those chances, but he will need to make an immediate impact.

From a broader footballing perspective, it is refreshing to see a young South American talent resist the lure of Saudi riches. Fans across the league will welcome his desire to compete at the highest level and represent Brazil at the World Cup. For Chelsea’s faithful, the hope is that the club’s patience and protection of Santos pay off, turning him into a midfield star for years to come.