“The main factor” – Andrey Santos reveals why he rejected big money move to Al-Qadsiah | OneFootball

Andrey Santos has confirmed he did receive an offer from Saudi Arabia and revealed why he turned the opportunity down.

Chelsea signed Santos back in January 2023 from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in a deal worth around £13m, and he spent the remainder of that season back on loan in Brazil.

Santos was then sent to Nottingham Forest in the first half of the 2023/2024 season which turned out to be a disaster before he was recalled in January and sent to Strasbourg.

Andrey Santos explains why he rejected offer from Saudi Arabia

Santos did well in France and was once again sent to Strasbourg last season, where he excelled and scored ten Ligue 1 goals as Liam Rosenior’s side qualified for the Conference League.

The 21-year-old returned to Chelsea and made his long awaited debut at the Club World Cup, and is expected to play a key role this season.

Santos rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia this summer. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Chelsea have insisted the midfielder isn’t for sale, and West Ham had an offer of £45m rejected for Santos, who had appeared in all three Premier League games so far this season.

However, Saudi side Al-Qadsiah reportedly made an offer of €70m for Santos, whilst the proposal would have seen him earn nearly five times more than he does at Chelsea.

Santos turned the offer down and explained why he took that decision, with his focus on the World Cup next summer.

“The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup,” he told Trivela.

“I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia.

“That was the main factor in my response to them.”

Chelsea have plenty of competition in midfield

Midfield is arguably Chelsea’s strongest area of the squad, and the Blues have a plethora of top quality options, which have been strengthened by Santos and Dario Essugo.

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Santos is going to be competing with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia, whilst Essugo was signed to provide much needed cover for Moises Caicedo.

There will be plenty of opportunity throughout the season, and it’s up to Santos to make the most of the minutes he’s given to try and move himself up the pecking order.