Newcastle United’s Brazilian connections could help them fight off competition from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as they look to lure £30 million Vasco da Gama wonderkid Andrey Santos to the Premier League, according to The Independent.
Should the so-called ‘Brazilian Busquets’ arrive at St James’ Park in 2023, Eddie Howe could conceivably field a midfield trio of Samba stars; Joelinton and the masterful Bruno Guimaraes flanking an 18-year-old wonderkid attracting interest from some of the biggest and most ambitious football clubs this side of the Atlantic.
The presence of Joelinton, and particularly Guimaraes, could certainly help lure Santos to the banks of the Tyne.
Per The Independent, Magpies chief scout, Steve Nickson, has plenty of connections in the Brazilian market too. Newcastle are reportedly prioritising South American talent with post-Brexit legislation forcing Premier League clubs to look further afield in pursuit of exciting up-and-comers.
Newcastle have also shown an interest in Watford’s Joao Pedro, and Santos starlet Angelo Gabriel.
Brazilian agent Guiliano Bertolucci also has strong connections with the North East outfit. He represents not only Guimaraes, but also Andrey Santos.
Newcastle United fighting Barcelona and PSG for Andrey Santos
“Physically, he is a monster,” Lyon legend Juninho says of the teenager; a barnstorming box-to-box midfielder who looks a neat fit for Eddie Howe’s high-intensity, possession-heavy approach.
“Without the ball, his participation in the game is total. I want to see his GPS, because he doesn’t stop! And technically, he’s way above the others.
“He’s not going to be better than me, he’s going to be much better than me. He is a much more complete player. At 18, I didn’t play half as much as he does. I’m not ashamed to say that.”
Vasco da Gama value Andrey Santos in the region of £30 million. A colossal fee for an 18-year-old with just 25 league appearances under his belt. Newcastle have shown since that Saudi Arabian takeover, however, that they are willing to invest heavily in young talent. Hugo Ekitike, for instance.
Contrary to reports, however, Vasco are yet to receive a bid for Santos.
“I can say that there is no offer from Newcastle for Andrey,” explains sporting director Paulo Bracks.
“He didn’t receive an offer. Vasco didn’t receive an offer. The player has renewed his contract. The negotiation of players will happen, yes. But not out of necessity, because of choice.”
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