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Fabrizio Romano shares big Andrey Santos update as Chelsea talent continues to shine at Strasbourg

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 5 February 2025 21:15, UK Updated Wed 5 February 2025 23:08, UK

Chelsea had a fairly quiet January transfer window, with just one new arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Saint-Etienne midfielder Mathis Amougou in a £12million deal just before the window shut.

The Blues also allowed a number of players to leave on loan, including Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga.

Chelsea also considered bringing one of their young stars back from loan with a view to playing in the first-team immediately.

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey confirmed the Blues hierarchy was split over whether to recall Andrey Santos back or allow him to see out his stint at Strasbourg.

Santos stayed put in the end, and now Fabrizio Romano has provided a big update regarding the 20-year-old’s future.

Chelsea already planning for Andrey Santos in 2025/26 first-team

Romano has taken to X to say Chelsea have already started planning for next season with Santos in the first-team fold.

Indeed, Santos is set to become one of Enzo Maresca’s “key players” next term, testament to his superb progress at Strasbourg.

Where Andrey Santos could play for Chelsea

Chelsea have been delighted with Santos’ progress on loan at Strasbourg with the midfielder having registered eight goals and two assists from 20 outings this term.

Maresca could use Santos in two different midfield roles at Chelsea, having played as a number eight and as a holding midfielder for Strasbourg.

Santos has become a key player for the French outfit under manager Liam Rosenior, who believes the Chelsea gem will have an “outstanding career”.

The 20-year-old has even made his senior debut for Brazil, playing 65 minutes in central midfield in the Selecao’s 2-1 friendly loss to Morocco in March 2023.

Although Santos is yet to make his competitive debut for Chelsea, it looks as though he’ll be fast-tracked into the first-team in the summer.