Chelsea’s young talent Andrey Santos has stunned the football world by turning down a massive £60 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah. The 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder, who recently returned to Stamford Bridge following an impressive loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, is proving that his ambitions extend far beyond financial gain. Santos has made it clear that his focus remains on his long-term development and impact at Chelsea.
The summer transfer window was busy for Chelsea, with numerous arrivals and departures reshaping the squad. New signings included promising players such as Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, Estevao, Kendry Paez, and Alejandro Garnacho. Meanwhile, the club parted ways with several players, including Noni Madueke, João Félix, Djordje Petrovic, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mathis Amougou, Basir Humphreys, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson (subject to a 2026 buy obligation), Alfie Gilchrist, Lucas Bergstrom, and Ben Chilwell.
Amid all this activity, Santos has emerged as one of Chelsea’s brightest prospects. He played a small but influential role in the club’s recent Club World Cup victory, catching the attention of manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach views Santos as a versatile midfielder capable of filling in for star players Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández or even anchoring the midfield as a number six.
“I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that he stays here with us,” Maresca said. “He can play in Enzo Fernández or Moises Caicedo’s positions for sure. He was very good as a number six in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras. He can play in both positions very well.”
Before the UK transfer deadline, Santos had also attracted interest from top Premier League clubs like Manchester United. However, he appeared determined to remain in west London, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano predicting an “important” role for him at Chelsea. Despite this, Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah tried to sway him with a staggering £60 million offer—five times his current earnings at Stamford Bridge.
According to South American outlet UOL and journalist Thiago Arantes, Chelsea were willing to discuss the proposal, but Santos personally rejected the move outright. Al-Qadsiah, undeterred, quickly turned their attention to German midfielder Julian Weigl as an alternative. Yet, the story of Santos’ remarkable decision and his vision for his future at Chelsea is far from over.