Newcastle United have been linked with quite a few players in recent days, as they look to rebuild their squad after seeing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali for around £170 million combined. That money needs to be reinvested to make the team stronger overall, even though they have lost two key names from the team sheet.
A deal to sign Bazoumana Toure is believed to be close to completion. Also, the Magpies are preparing to put in an official bid to try and sign Johan Manzambi, who has had a standout World Cup campaign for Switzerland.
As for Lamine Camara of AS Monaco, it looks like that move is now unlikely. But on the other hand, a Chelsea midfielder has cropped up on Newcastle United’s radar instead. There is some high-level competition and a hefty transfer fee required to sign him though.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are targeting Andrey Santos. The Chelsea midfielder has a transfer value in the region of £50 million. Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation as they try to find a replacement for Tonali.
Who is Andrey Santos?
Santos is one of the many highly-rated youngsters Chelsea have signed since the BlueCo takeover. While he has done more than most, the Brazilian still is not an established member of the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.
He has Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of him in the pecking order. And unfortunately, when given a chance, Santos has not done enough.
Santos had looked like a consistent goalscorer during his time on loan at Strasbourg. But despite having the same manager in Liam Rosenior for a good while, he never even came close to rediscovering that form in Chelsea colours.
Just like many clubs across the league, Chelsea do not have a ton of financial flexibility. So, they seem to be open to the idea of Santos’ exit for the right offer. On the other hand, the player is said to be receptive to leaving Stamford Bridge to get more regular minutes.
Would Andrey Santos be a good signing for Newcastle United?
Santos is a steady presence in the middle of the park. The Magpies can put him in their starting XI and he will do a decent job, as is.
But there is a huge upside to the Brazilian’s talent. It feels like we have never seen him at his best at Chelsea. Perhaps he needs a different environment to produce that.
Santos might be the kind of player who thrives under continuity and being one of the most important parts of a team. He had that at Strasbourg and was one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1.
He has never been given either at Chelsea. And the results have not come. Of course, a £50 million transfer fee would represent a risk, but the reward could be huge.
