Strasbourg Breakout Season Puts Chelsea Midfielder on the Radar of European Giants
Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos is making serious noise in France—and it’s not going unnoticed. The young Brazilian midfielder, currently on loan at Strasbourg, has caught the attention of Bayern Munich and AC Milan, both of whom are reportedly weighing up summer moves for the 20-year-old.
Signed by Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for a fee rising to £18 million back in January 2023, Santos arrived with huge promise. But his early days in Europe weren’t ideal. He was loaned to Nottingham Forest at the start of the season but barely got a kick—just two appearances in five months—before Chelsea recalled him.
Instead of letting the talent waste away on the bench, the Blues made a smart call: they sent him to their sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and that’s where everything changed.
From Struggles in England to Shining in France
At Strasbourg, Santos has found the perfect platform. He’s playing week in, week out, and more importantly, he’s delivering. With 10 goals and 5 assists across all competitions, he’s not just playing well—he’s dominating games. Whether he’s sitting deep, carrying the ball forward, or arriving late in the box, he’s showing exactly why Chelsea invested in him.
His physicality, vision, and technical ability are clear to see, and he’s starting to look like the complete modern midfielder. Ligue 1 fans have taken notice, and now it looks like some of Europe’s elite clubs have too.
Milan Leading the Race, Bayern Keeping Tabs
According to Mail Sport, AC Milan are seriously interested in bringing Santos to San Siro. The Italian side sees him as a perfect long-term addition to their midfield, especially with their focus on youth and energy in the squad.
Bayern Munich are also in the picture, although their interest is described as more of a “watching brief” for now. Still, when Bayern keeps tabs, it’s never casual—they’re always planning ahead.
Santos himself has added fuel to the fire. In a recent interview with Gianluca Di Marzio, he didn’t shy away from talking about the future:
“I feel ready to play in the Premier League. My two clubs and my agent will talk after the season and decide what’s best.”
That kind of confidence doesn’t go unnoticed either. He wants to prove himself at the top level—and he may just get that chance.
Chelsea’s Dilemma: Bring Him Back or Cash In?
Chelsea now find themselves in a tricky spot. Do they bring Santos back to Stamford Bridge and integrate him into the first team? Or do they cash in while his stock is rising?
There are whispers that the Blues would consider offers in the region of £30 million, although that seems a bit low considering his age, form, and contract—he’s tied to Chelsea until 2030.
Much may depend on where Chelsea finish in the Premier League. If they qualify for the Champions League, the need for a bigger, more dynamic squad becomes even greater—and Santos could slot right in. Strasbourg, too, are chasing a European spot, just two points off the pace in Ligue 1. The final league standings could shape what happens next.
A Huge Summer Ahead for Santos
One thing is certain: Andrey Santos won’t be short of options this summer. Whether it’s a return to Chelsea, a fresh challenge in Serie A with Milan, or a move to Germany’s top flight with Bayern, the Brazilian is in demand.
He’s gone from forgotten loanee to one of Europe’s hottest young midfielders—and the next chapter of his story could be the biggest yet.
