Andrey Santos’ emergence in Brazil has seen Newcastle United, Aston Villa and other sides take notice.
The 18-year-old came through the ranks of Vasco da Gama’s academy before making his way into their senior team in 2021. Operating as a defensive midfielder and in the middle of the pitch, he made 28 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals in the process.
Earlier this month, the South American club’s director, Paulo Bracks, confirmed several clubs have approached the midfielder, but his side have not received any offers so far.
Jeunesfooteux state Santos’ performances have seen European clubs take notice and this is when Newcastle, Aston Villa, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all tagged. It’s said Luis Campos has identified him as a priority target for the Ligue 1 winners.
The report adds it won’t be surprising if Barca negotiate a deal spread over several years, with a large large chunk of the fee to be paid from 2024 onwards. They could initially take him on a two-year loan deal.
Barca will have to deal with the financial power of PSG and the two Premier League sides, ‘especially Newcastle’, who could draw a ‘substantial offer’ to sign Santos.