Sunderland are one of three Championship clubs under consideration to sign Premier League star Andrey Santos on loan this winter after the player returned to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday afternoon.
Chelsea completed the signing of the Brazilian teenager last January for a fee in the region of £13 million from Vasco da Gama but Santos didn’t arrive in England until the summer. However, the youngster was immediately sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest.
Unfortunately, Santos’ time at the City Ground didn’t quite go as planned. The Brazil international played just twice for Forest in all competitions, including a seven-minute cameo at Anfield in his only Premier League appearance.
It was confirmed earlier today that Chelsea have recalled Santos from his loan spell, having not featured under the Nottinghamshire club’s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo who took over last month.
Andrey Santos has been recalled to Chelsea from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. Reason is a lack of minutes. Chelsea will consider next steps. Plenty of interest in Santos and game time is a key consideration.🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Loe7yRYgwp
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 3, 2024
Now, HITC are reporting that the Blues are keen to send the 19-year-old back out on loan for the remainder of the campaign but are searching for the right club to avoid a similar situation to his stint with Forest.
The outlet have revealed the promotion hopefuls Sunderland are one of three sides in the Championship being considered by Chelsea to take the highly-rated, young midfielder on a short-term loan deal, alongside West Bromwich Albion and Hull City.
Sportrac estimates that Santos is currently on a £10k-per-week contract at Stamford Bridge which would make him the joint-fourth highest paid player at the Stadium of Light, although perhaps Chelsea will foot the bill for the prodigy.
Writer’s View
Sunderland could look to replicate their success with Amad Diallo from last season by taking an unproven player on loan from one of England’s biggest clubs. While the positions are different, Santos would easily walk into the Black Cats’ midfield, having been described as a “one-man war machine” by football scout Jacek Kulig.
This signing might even be the player that the Wearside club need to push them over the line and finally return to the Premier League.
Deputy Head of Writing