Chelsea will be well aware they have to sell in order to buy in both transfer windows in 2026 following their extortionate levels of spending since Todd Boehly and co took over.
The Blues are looking to stay in line with UEFA sanctions, after having to sell big over the summer to register their new signings for the Champions League.
The likes of Noni Madueke and Joao Felix departed for big money, however Enzo Maresca will have been keen to not lose too many individuals after his excellent start to life at Stamford Bridge.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Mike Maignan
- Marc Guehi
Chelsea decided not to touch their midfield options from last season after the sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, only adding to them with the emergence of Andrey Santos as a first team option.
Andrey Santos tipped to leave Chelsea in 2026
The Brazilian had left a real impression on fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg during his season and a half on loan there.
He has only made four Premier League starts so far this season, after reports Santos wanted assurances of regular minutes upon his debut in West London.
This has led to Simon Phillips reporting that there is a chance that the Brazil international leaves the club next summer due to concerns that his situation will not improve.
He said on his Substack: “Being told there is a chance he departs Chelsea in the summer due to game time concerns.”
Chelsea fought off interest in Santos last summer
Incredible turnover of players has become the norm at Chelsea in recent years, however some have always proven to be too good to listen to offers for.
Pick your Chelsea midfield THREE under Liam Rosenior…
Surely Andrey Santos features?👀
One of those was Santos, who despite not playing for the first team before this season was seen as off the table for opposition sides.
It was a fear amongst Chelsea fans that the Blues would cash in on Santos before being given a chance to show his skills developed from his time at Strasbourg.
The club had a lot of faith that he was going to be a key player for a number of years to come at Stamford Bridge, and should show him that they have that belief in his abilities between now and the end of the season.
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