PIF exploring late window bid to sign £42M “monster” for Newcastle, he’s the new Bruno
The summer transfer window is racing toward its conclusion, and for Newcastle United, the final days promise to be as busy and unpredictable as the months that came before.
It has been a window filled with speculation, frustration, and moments of real promise, all set against the backdrop of a team determined to build on the progress of recent seasons.
Monday night’s match against Liverpool was a perfect example of this duality a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in the final moments, but also a performance filled with such spirit and determination that it reminded everyone what this club is all about.
Even in defeat, there were plenty of positives to take away. The effort shown by the players, especially after going down to ten men, was extraordinary.
Bruno Guimarães, in particular, stood out not just for his skill but for his leadership, filling the void left by the absent Alexander Isak with a display of pure passion and quality.
It was the kind of performance that wins over fans and silences critics, but it also highlighted one of the team’s most pressing issues: the need for more depth and quality in key areas.
With the transfer deadline just days away, the focus has returned to the task of strengthening the squad. The pursuit of a new striker has been well documented, with bids for players like Jørgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa already rejected.
But it is not just up front where reinforcements are needed. The midfield, once considered a area of great strength, has been hit by injuries to important players like Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
This has exposed a lack of options and underlined the importance of adding another dynamic player in the center of the park.
This is where Andrey Santos enters the picture. The 21-year-old Brazilian, currently on the books at Chelsea, has emerged as a genuine target for Newcastle as they look to add energy, technical ability, and long-term potential to their midfield.
Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama as one of the most highly regarded young talents in South America, and after a productive season-and-a-half on loan at Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1, he is back in London but facing limited opportunities.
With just 39 minutes of Premier League action so far this season, he may be open to a move that offers him more playing time and a clearer path to development.
What makes Santos such an appealing option is his well-rounded skill set. He is not just a defensive shield or an attacking playmaker he is a complete midfielder who can contribute in every phase of the game.
His time in France allowed him to adapt to the pace and physicality of European football, and the numbers he posted there are truly impressive, especially when compared to a player of Bruno Guimarães’ caliber.
The table below illustrates how Santos’ performances for Strasbourg last season stack up against Guimarães’ contributions for Newcastle, offering a glimpse of why the young Brazilian is so highly rated:
| Metric (per game) | Bruno Guimarães | Andrey Santos |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 38 (38) | 32 (32) |
| Goals | 5 | 10 |
| Assists | 6 | 3 |
| Pass Completion Rate | 84% | 89% |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.9 | 5.9 |
| Tackles + Interceptions | 3.0 | 4.4 |
| Duels Won (Success Rate) | 6.4 (52%) | 7.1 (67%) |
As the data shows, Santos more than holds his own in several key categories. He is exceptionally strong in duels, efficient in possession, and has a eye for goal—traits that would make him an ideal fit for Eddie Howe’s high-intensity system.
He has been described by analysts as a “duel monster” with “top tackling ability,” and his composure on the ball and ability to break up opposition play would give Newcastle a different kind of option in the middle of the field.
Of course, the Premier League is a significant step up from Ligue 1, and there are no guarantees that any young player will adapt immediately. But Santos has already shown he has the temperament and the talent to succeed at a high level.
For Newcastle, he would not only provide cover and competition in the short term but could also develop into a long-term successor to Guimarães, whose emotional connection to the club is undeniable but whose future will always be the subject of speculation.
With the clock ticking, Newcastle must move quickly. Other clubs, including West Ham United, are also interested in Santos, and Chelsea’s valuation of around £42 million reflects his potential.
But for a team looking to build sustainably and intelligently, investing in a player of Santos’ profile could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.
The final days of the window are always chaotic, but sometimes the best opportunities appear when you least expect them. For Newcastle, Andrey Santos might just be one of those opportunities.