Andrey Santos is already proving that Newcastle massively missed out in January

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Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Andrey Santos during the January transfer window, and it already looks like the Magpies missed out in a big way.

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park heading into the winter window, and it was even claimed that Newcastle were confident of a deal.

However, the 18-year-old instead moved from Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea as part of their monstrous recruitment drive. The Blues paid £18million for the teenager, and it is already looking like a fabulous investment.

And that is before Santos has even made his debut for Graham Potter’s side.

Andrey Santos showing Newcastle what they could’ve won

While Santos is yet to play for Chelsea since his January move, the youngster has been excelling in South America.

He has been captaining Brazil Under-20s at the South American Youth Championship, and played a pivotal role in his nation coming out on top.

Santos was the tournament’s joint top scorer alongside Toon target Vitor Roque, finding the net six times during the competition. Some of his goals were wonderful too, and proved why Newcastle were so desperate to sign him – and why Chelsea are incredibly lucky to have him.

He looks like a player who has it all – a complete midfielder. Great passing range, defensive awareness, great timing with his tackles, an eye for a goal.

The teenager has shown all of this at the South American Youth Championship, and is now bringing his talents to the Premier League.

Santos is now hoping to receive a work permit that will allow him to play in England, with Graham Potter already planning to include him in the Chelsea first-team squad.

It felt like a real blow when Newcastle missed out. He looked like the kind of player who could go on to become a superstar at St James’ Park, and provide a long-term solution to our midfield conundrum.

But we missed out, and it is already looking like a real transfer blunder. What a shame Chelsea were able to get him ahead of us.