La Liga champions Real Madrid are the latest club to show interest in Andrey Santos, a target for Barcelona and Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Andrey Santos has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions have joined Barcelona, Chelsea, and others in the race to sign the 18-year-old midfielder, with Vasco da Gama likely to demand €15 million for him.
Andrey Santos is one of the most promising young midfielders in Brazil and took age-group football by storm in his formative years. The Brazilian midfielder spent his entire youth career with Vasco da Gama, joining the club as a seven-year-old. And after a decade in their academy, he made his first-team debut last year.
The 18-year-old became a regular for the Vasco da Gama first team this past season and played a pivotal role as they secured promotion to the Serie A. Santos made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals. And the teenage prodigy’s progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
The Merengues are the latest club to show interest in the Brazilian midfield sensation. And it is hardly surprising, considering Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are on their last legs as professional footballers. So Real Madrid will need to lay down a succession plan for the ageing midfield duo, with Santos being an option worth considering.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan giants have been hot on the heels of the 18-year-old for several months. The Blaugrana will likely lose Sergio Busquets next summer. And considering Santos can play as a holding midfielder, he is a potential long-term midfield solution for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Santos have been in talks over a possible move next year. And amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, the Blues have set their sights on the Brazilian midfielder. But Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea also need to be wary of Newcastle United, who have been pushing hard for his signature.
Vasco da Gama will be open to doing business for €15 million, making him an attractive target. Even Barcelona should manage to afford to sign the 18-year-old. But with the competition being intense, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can land him.
