Midfielder Andrey Santos has a clear objective for the upcoming season: to play at the next World Cup. That focus guided his decision to reject an offer that would have paid him about five times more than his current Chelsea salary.
Recently, Andrey Santos turned down a €70 million (£60m) offer from Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. Chelsea were open to negotiating the player, but the midfielder immediately dismissed the idea of a move at this time.
This Thursday, Andrey Santos spoke after Brazil’s 3–0 victory over Chile, explaining why he refused the Saudi club’s offer, which would have paid him around €8 million (£6.9m) per year—five times his current wages with the Blues.
“Yes, the proposal arrived, but I refused immediately, because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup. I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League the chances are higher than in Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them,” said Andrey Santos.
Santos featured in the second half to replace Casemiro, having been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for both of his first two squads.
Andrey Santos Fighting for a Place at Chelsea
Signed by Chelsea in 2023 for £18 million, Andrey Santos views this season as his chance to establish himself at the English club.
After loan spells at Vasco, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg, Santos returned to Chelsea more experienced following a strong season in France.
He took part in Chelsea’s Club World Cup-winning campaign, featuring in four of the team’s seven matches, starting just one. As the 2025/26 season begins, the 21-year-old midfielder has appeared in Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches.
Competition from Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo has limited Santos’ minutes under Enzo Maresca, but the Italian manager remains confident in the young player.
Andrey Shares Where He Prefers to Play
Still in the Maracana mixed zone after the win over Chile, Santos spoke about replacing Casemiro and his preferred position on the pitch. He also emphasised his willingness to take on multiple roles for Chelsea.
“I really like to play as a first midfielder, I even think it's my main position, because I did the whole base as a first midfielder. But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a second midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a little more advanced, but I feel very comfortable playing in both positions,” said Andrey Santos.
Santos was first called up to the Brazilian national team in March 2023 under interim coach Ramon Menezes and made his debut against Morocco.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
