Chelsea have completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. The 18-year-old becomes signing number three of the January transfer window at Stamford Bridge following the additions of David Datro Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
The deal was announced by Vasco yesterday (Friday) before Chelsea confirmed the move on Saturday afternoon. Santos follows a number of young talents brought to the club recently following the arrivals of Omari Hutchinson and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Capped at Under-20 level for Brazil, Santos is expected to feature for Mark Robinson’s Under-23 side before earning an opportunity in Graham Potter's first team.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly takes £200m Chelsea transfer risk with Benoit Badiashile deal as new ethos continues
Santos expressed his delight on sealing a move to Chelsea, telling the club's official website: "It's a very big opportunity for me. This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here."
Ready for business! pic.twitter.com/e1VrWUinhv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
The young star became Vasco's youngest player in the 21st century when he made his debut at just 17, following in the footsteps of Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho. Santos netted 11 goals in 43 appearances in 2022, form that warranted interest from clubs across Europe.
Santos' signing comes in the midst of Chelsea's concerted attempt at signing Enzo Fernandez. The Benfica ace has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League following his star performances at the World Cup, but negotiations remain some distance apart.
It's apparent of the club's priority to bolster Potter's midfield this month. Injuries and uncertainty over the future of many players means the area has become a problem. While he's not expected to feature for the first time immediately, Santos will be hoping to pave a pathway to the first team in the near future.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea confirm David Datro Fofana transfer on long-term deal ahead of Man City clash
Graham Potter can give three Chelsea debuts to new signings to protect Thiago Silva vs Man City
Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and the three other Chelsea stars who deserve to start vs Man City
Pep Guardiola stunned by Chelsea star as Todd Boehly handed new £26.5m transfer conundrum
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
