Chelsea agree £18m Andrey Santos transfer with Brazilian wonderkid becoming Graham Potter’s third January signing

CHELSEA have completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Andrey Santos.

The Blues paid a fee of £18million the 18-year-old to become their third signing of the January window.

Vasco Da Gama announced the midfielder's departure on their website.

Their statement read: "Vasco da Gama agreed this Friday (01/06) the permanent transfer of the athlete Andrey Santos to European football.

"Born in the youth ranks of Gigante da Colina, the midfielder will defend the colors of Chelsea, from England, in the coming seasons.

"The youngster will end his first spell at the club from São Januário at the age of 18 with 38 appearances and eight goals."

Santos has been added to Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana as new recruits to the club.

Vasco Da Gama added: "In São Januário since 2011, Andrey Santos started his career in futsal and it didn't take long to become the main reference of the 2004 Generation. by the Hill Giant.

"In 2021, after debuting in a Carioca Championship match, Andrey Santos became the youngest player to ever play for Vasco da Gama in the 21st Century, leaving behind names like Talles Magno, Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho.

"The definitive promotion of Andrey Santos to the professional, however, only happened last season, during the dispute of the Brazilian Championship."

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However, Todd Boehly's aggressive recruitment policy looks set to carry on this month as Chelsea pursue a deal for Enzo Fernandez.

The 21-year-old has been subject to a £112m bid from the Blues, but Benfica were unhappy with the way the deal was financed and rejected it.

The Portuguese side want as much as possible of the £106m buyout clause to be paid up front.

Despite the signing of Santos, Chelsea are mourning the loss of ex-star Gianluca Vialli, who died at the age of 58 after a battle with cancer.