Newcastle United have reportedly opened talks with Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama for the signing of teenage defensive midfield prospect Andrey Santos.
According to 90min, Newcastle United are currently in talks with Brazilian Serie A side Vasco da Gama over the possible signing of midfield maestro Andrey Santos as Toon boss Eddie Howe looks to bolster his midfield ranks.
It has been a remarkable start to the campaign for Eddie Howe and co., which could end with European football returning to St James’ Park, with the Tynesiders sitting third in the Premier League standings. That would be a dream come true for supporters. However, the owners are not going to break the bank to make that dream a reality in January, as they remain keen to carry over their pre-World Cup break momentum.
Although they have made some big-money acquisitions, this is not considered a long-term path to success, with the club cognizant of financial fair play regulations. Instead, they hope to solidify the team’s long-term future with the arrival of young talents.
Garang Koul, for one, has joined a cohort of UK-based youngsters to come through the door since the arrival of director of football Dan Ashworth. The Magpies have now set their sights on Santos, who has been linked with a move to Tyneside since the start of 2022.
The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded by many as one of the most exciting prospects in Brazil. Despite his tender years, he has already impressed immensely for the Vasco da Gama senior team, and played a pivotal role in their promotion back to the Brazilian top-tier, contributing with 8 goals from 33 second-tier outings despite operating in a holding midfield role.
Compared to Sergio Busquets for his style of play and match intelligence, his current contract with Vasco expires in 2027 and is said to be protected by a release clause of €40 million in his deal.
The youngster is an exceptional ball carrier and dribbler who excels at shielding defences and retaining possession under pressure, especially in tight areas. He has the potential, and training alongside Bruno Guimaraes could really help develop his game. He might not feature immediately if he moves to Newcastle, but it would be a brilliant piece of business in the long run.
However, there are more clubs from across Europe chasing his signature, with Barcelona, Manchester City, and PSG all in the running. That makes Newcastle’s task of signing Santos all the more difficult.
However, that should not put the Magpies off nowadays under Saudi PIF’s ownership. Previously, a little bit of competition from a top club would all but end Newcastle’s interest in that player. Back then, the transfer strategy was to make a lowball offer and hope their target was not on any other clubs’ radar.
But times have changed drastically. The club is ambitious, and the owners want to turn them into a future European giant competing for top honours on a regular basis. That means signing players for the present and the future, and Santos would certainly be one for the future.
