Chelsea's Brazilian midfield prodigy to play key role under Enzo Maresca

Chelsea's young Brazilian midfielder, Andrey Santos, is poised to play a crucial role in the first team during the upcoming season. The 20-year-old's impressive performances on loan have caught the attention of the club's hierarchy, and he is now being prepared for a significant role under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Andrey Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Vasco da Gama for a fee of around £13 million. Despite a challenging start to his Chelsea career, which saw him make only two appearances during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Santos showcased his resilience and talent during the second half of the season at French side RC Strasbourg.

During his time at Strasbourg, Santos quickly established himself as a key player, earning the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month award for March. He also scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner in the local derby, further highlighting his potential and ability to perform under pressure.

The Athletic reports that Chelsea have received inquiries from various European clubs regarding Santos' availability. However, the Blues have no intention of selling or loaning out the talented youngster. The club believes that Santos' versatility, technical prowess, and excellent ball retention skills make him an ideal fit for Maresca's playing style.

Santos' ability to operate as both a defensive and central midfielder is expected to be a major asset for Chelsea as they navigate the additional fixtures in the UEFA Conference League next season. With the potential departure of Conor Gallagher, Santos could find himself with ample opportunities to showcase his talent in the first-team setup.

The decision to integrate Santos into the first-team squad is a testament to his potential and the club's faith in his abilities. Chelsea fans can look forward to seeing the young midfielder's development as he aims to make his mark at Stamford Bridge in the coming season.

As the Blues look to rebuild and compete on multiple fronts, the inclusion of promising talents like Andrey Santos in the first-team squad could prove to be a wise move.

With his skill set and determination, the Brazilian has the potential to become a key player for Chelsea in the years to come, and his presence in the squad will undoubtedly add depth and quality to the midfield.

Andrey Santos' journey from Vasco da Gama to Chelsea's first team is a story of perseverance and talent. As he prepares to take on a significant role in the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the young Brazilian to see how he adapts to the challenges of the Premier League and European football.

With the support of his teammates, coaching staff, and the club's fans, Santos has the opportunity to establish himself as a rising star at Chelsea. His performances in the coming months will be crucial not only for his own development but also for the team's success as they aim to compete for silverware on multiple fronts.

Blues can look forward to witnessing the emergence of Andrey Santos as a key player in the club's midfield. His inclusion in the first-team squad is a sign of the club's commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future.