Vasco da Gama director Paulo Bracks is desperate to see Andrey Santos stay in Brazil as Premier League duo Newcastle United and Chelsea go head-to-head for the teenager’s signature, speaking to ESPN.
After moving ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race for one of South America’s most talented youngsters, could Newcastle now be pipped at the post by Chelsea?
The London giants have already spent big sums on the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina and Cesare Casadei in the Todd Boehly era, and emerged from nowhere last week to lead the chase for Santos’ sought-after signature.
The Standard believe that talks between the two clubs are at an ‘advanced stage’. Santos, however, is expected to cost a lot more than the £12 million fee put forward by that very same report.
Vasco Noticias insist that Newcastle are ready and willing to spend over £30 million on the 18-year-old enforcer. Whether Chelsea can or will match that offer for a player with only a few months of first-team football under his belt could determine where Santos ends up, following so much speculation.
Chelsea join Newcastle United in the race to sign Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos
As far as Vasco da Gama are concerned, however, Santos’ departure is not a foregone conclusion. He only recently signed a new deal until 2027. What’s more, Vasco are determined to retain their homegrown talisman, as they prepare for life back in Brazil’s top flight.”
“The whole world wants Andrey. But he’s from Vasco, he has a contract with us, a strong contract, and he should go to a South American U20 (Championship with Brazil),” Bracks explains.
“I can’t guarantee what will happen to him. (I want him to) stay with us, this year, in this Serie A project of ours. But he is a player who is on the market, who is being targeted.”
Per 90Min, there remains a confidence at Newcastle that Santos will still end up at St James’ Park. The Magpes have maintained an open dialogue with the Vasco da Gama bosses for a number of months.
Santos’ team-mate Eguinaldo another name on Newcastle’s radar.
“Physically, (Santos) is a monster,” says Lyon legend and former Brazil international Juninho. “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.”
Santos scored eight times from midfield as Vasco earned promotion from Brazil’s second tier this year.
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