Promise of Vasco becomes a starter, is close to renewing and draws the attention of a European giant

Andrey Santos, the Cruz-Maltino team's youngest player, could reportedly be on his way to Barcelona.
2022-05-18 10:09:28

Still only 18 years old, he has already established himself as the team’s starting defensive midfielder. Realizing the athlete’s potential, the carioca club’s board of directors quickly began discussions to extend his contract.

Santos’ current deal with Vasco expires in August 2023, and a new contract is being discussed that will last five years, until 2027. The hammer was not defeated, due to difficulties of establishing a termination penalty outside of the United States.

Important clubs in Europe have hounded the athlete from the beginning of his career. Barcelona is one of them. According to a recent rumour by Spanish publication “Sport,” former player Deco identified the player to the Catalan club. According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Vasco have previously rejected a R$36 million offer from Barça, who are expected to make another approach shortly.

“It’s an honour and a joy to wear this Vasco jersey.”, he said when he made his debut as a starter in Série B of this year’s Brasileirão, against Ponte Preta. He is also the youngest player to play for Vasco in the twenty-first century. He added: “I’ve been here since I was six years old, I went through all categories, so Januário is my home.” He also claims that he is now focused on establishing himself at his present club rather than thinking about future moves.

About Andrey Santos and other interested clubs

Andrey Nascimento dos Santos was born on May 3, 2004, in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. He joined Vasco’s youth divisions when he was only six years old, in 2010.

His greatest strength is his passing accuracy. With precise launches and strong marking, the growth of the quality of ball production from the club’s defensive portion to the attack was obvious after he took over Vasco’s defensive midfield position.

Speaking in a news conference after a recent encounter for the club, Vasco coach Zé Ricardo said: “Andrey has a lot of potential, and he’s a part of Vasco’s foundation history. He sees well beyond the region in where the ball is located. “He makes a very clear reading of positions and he has technical qualities.”

Clubs in Europe that scouted the player

Barcelona are not the only club interested in the talented Vasco midfielder. According to the GE site, if the Spanish club is serious about making an official approach, they will face stiff competition to sign the youngster.

Milan, Italy, Benfica, Portugal, Wolves, Everton, and Monaco have all shown interest in the player alongside Vasco’s push to try and get him to sign a new contract.

Andrey Santos has been called up to the Brazilian under-20 squad, increasing his visibility on the international market.

Vasco, on the other hand, only want to talk to the player about a deal for about R$ 50 million. Coach Zé Ricardo has also said on many occasions that he wishes to keep the player on the team for as long as possible.

About Vasco

Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama is one of the oldest clubs in Brazilian football. The team, which was formed in 1898, play their games in the Sao Januário stadium, which seats 22,000 people.

Vasco recently sold their SAF to an American corporation for R$ 700 million. This is part of a plan to rebuild the club, which is now in the Brasileiro’s second level for the second year in a row.

Vasco is regarded as one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football, having won the Copa Libertadores da América (in 1998) and the Brazilian Championship four times (1974, 1989, 1997 and 2000).

Vasco had a reputation for grooming brilliant talents in their childhood. Some of the most notable players that began their careers with the club include Romário and Edmundo.