Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.
Santos joins the Tricky Trees until June 2024, as he continues to develop his bright footballing career.
Confirming the Brazilian’s arrival to The City Ground, Nottingham Forest put out a statement which reads:
“Nottingham Forest is delighted to announce the signing of exciting Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea.”
Santos signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea on January 6, 2023, joining the club permanently from Brazilian side Vasco de Gama.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut for Chelsea, but Mauricio Pochettino has thought it wise to let the youngster seek first-team football for the 2023/24 season elsewhere.
He made 11 appearances for Vasco Da Gama last term, scoring 1 goal and providing no assist across all competitions.
Andrey Santos becomes the 7th arrival for Nottingham Forest this summer, having signed Anthony Elanga, Chris Wood, Matt Turner, Ola Aina, and Gonzalo Montiel.
Steve Cooper’s side have been relatively impressive since the commencement of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Despite losing to Arsenal by 2-1 in their opening game of the season, they put up a massive fight at the Emirates Stadium.
After the defeat to Arsenal, they grinded out a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in their second game of the 2023/24 season.
Steve Cooper’s side have a tough test on Matchday 3, as they visit Old Trafford to play against Manchester United.
Andrey Santos will be competing alongside Senegalese Cheikhou Kouyaté and Danilo for a starting shirt at defensive midfield.
Can Andrey Santos play as a central midfielder
The 19-year-old can also function as a central midfielder and he will be hoping to learn the robes from top players like; Jonjo Shelvey, and Orel Mangala.
Santos has also expressed his readiness to feature for Nottingham Forest, as playing in the Premier League has always been his dream.
He said: “They have good players and play good football, which is important to me. It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and I can’t wait to enjoy playing.”
The midfielder led Brazil in the South American Under-20 Championship in February, captaining his country to success at the tournament.
He also ended the tournament as joint top scorer with six goals, alongside Barcelona’s Vitor Roque.
Andrey Santos featured regularly for Chelsea in the 2023 summer preseason, playing against Wrexham, Brighton, Newcastle United and Fulham.
Santos has made 1 appearance for Brazil, scoring no goal and providing no assist so far.
The 19-year-old is a player with a lot of prospects and he has been touted to become a top player in the coming years.
He becomes the 7th loan departure from Chelsea this summer, having also witnessed the exit of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Hakim Ziyech, Ângelo, David Datro Fofana, Lewis Hall, and Gabriel Slonina.
