19-year-old is already making a major impression after Newcastle miss out on £18m deal

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When Newcastle United started lining up targets for the 2023 summer transfer window, the main priority was a centre-midfielder.

Eddie Howe wanted a marquee addition in the middle of the park, and he eventually got that in Sandro Tonali. He arrived from AC Milan for £55million to become the club’s second most expensive signing ever.

There is a huge amount of buzz surrounding the Italian, but it was claimed after the deal that Howe would still like to sign another midfielder.

However, that would not be necessary had the club been able to land Andrey Santos in January.

Newcastle missed out on Andrey Santos

The Brazilian teenager was a major target for Newcastle at the start of the year, and there was even confidence that the South American sensation was going to arrive at St James’ Park.

Dan Ashworth planned to make his move for Santos in January, only to be gazumped by Chelsea. The Blues swooped in out of nowhere to snap up the midfielder, who left Vasco Da Gama and became a Chelsea player for £18million.

It was a tough blow for Newcastle, who had plans to keep the youngster at the club. If they had signed him and done that, he would likely be ready to play a role this season.

But instead we could be seeing him in a Chelsea shirt.

Chelsea are very excited about Andrey Santos

According to Di Marzio, Santos is set to stay at Chelsea this season rather than be loaned out. He is attracting a lot of interest, but the West London club plan to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Fabrizio Romano has reiterated this, stating on Twitter that Mauricio Pochettino is ‘very happy’ with the 19-year-old.

Elsewhere, the Times have reported that Chelsea are excited about how Santos is going to develop under Pochettino this season.

At 19 and just a few months into his Chelsea career, Santos could already have a big role to play in the Premier League.

He is already making a big impression, and this is before he has even made his competitive debut in English football.

Andrey Santos is a name to look out for this season, and every impressive performance will serve as a reminder that Newcastle massively missed out in January.