Mauricio Pochettino is now going to decide if £18m player can sign for Newcastle this month

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Newcastle United are in the market for a midfielder this month, and could suddenly have a chance to sign a player they missed out on last year.

The Magpies were heavily linked with signing Andrey Santos during the January transfer window in 2023, but ended up missing out to Chelsea.

He joined the Blues for £18million, and was later sent out on loan to Premier League club Nottingham Forest. The move turned out to be a nightmare, with Santos making just two appearances before being recalled to Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old’s return to Chelsea has led to speculation over fresh interest from Newcastle United. It has been claimed that the Magpies are still keen on the midfielder, and that his representatives would be open to their client moving to St James’ Park.

Whether a loan deal is possible remains to be seen, and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has now spoke out about the teenager’s future.

What Mauricio Pochettino has said about Andrey Santos

Ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi final against Middlesbrough, Pochettino spoke to the media. He commented on Santos’ future, with the youngster set to link up with Brazil as his country aim to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“Andrey is going to Brazil to join the national team,” he said.

“For one month, he is going to be out of the dynamic of the club. During this time, we will decide if it is good for him to move on loan again or whether he stays with us when he is back from the national team.”

Tough deal for Newcastle to do in January

Chelsea are yet to make a decision over Santos’ future, as Newcastle seemingly wait for an opportunity.

However, even if an opportunity does come around, it does not necessarily mean that he will move to Tyneside.

Santos becoming available for another loan is just one hurdle to overcome. There are plenty more that Newcastle need to leapfrog before he is donning the famous black and white stripes.

The first issue is that the Magpies already have one player on loan from Chelsea in Lewis Hall. The only way we would be able to sign Santos on a temporary deal would be if we terminated Hall’s loan or fast-tracked his permanent move and bought him from the Blues this month. That will be easier said than done given Newcastle’s profit and sustainability concerns.

Then there is the issue that Newcastle might not be able to get Santos long-term. He is a player with a lot of potential, and someone who the Magpies want for the future rather than just the present.

Therefore, a loan deal until the end of the season would be pointless if it did not include an option or obligation to buy next summer. And considering how highly Chelsea rate Santos, it is difficult to envision them agreeing to that.