Andrey Santos: From Nottingham Forest Flop to One of Europe’s Hottest Prospects
Nottingham Forest supporters have seen plenty of players come and go in recent seasons, with the club making numerous signings under owner Evangelos Marinakis. Some, like Nikola Milenkovic, have proven to be excellent additions, while others, such as Ramon Sosa, have struggled to make an impact and are already being linked with exits.
However, few departures will shock Reds fans quite like the resurgence of Andrey Santos. The Brazilian midfielder, who managed just seven minutes of Premier League football during his loan spell at Forest, is now being linked with some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, PSG, and Bayern Munich.
This dramatic turnaround raises questions about why he never got a chance at Forest and whether the club mishandled a player who is now showing his immense potential elsewhere.
A Puzzling Signing That Never Made Sense
When Andrey Santos arrived at Nottingham Forest on loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, his signing immediately seemed strange. Reports later revealed that then-manager Steve Cooper wasn’t even aware of the deal until the player arrived at training—a shocking indictment of Forest’s transfer strategy at the time.
It was a clear sign that Santos was not part of Cooper’s plans, and that became evident as the season progressed. Despite being regarded as one of Brazil’s most promising young midfielders, Santos was given virtually no opportunities to prove himself in a Forest shirt.
Cooper reportedly praised Santos’ performances in training, suggesting that he had the quality to contribute. However, those compliments never translated into actual minutes on the pitch. The Brazilian’s only appearance in the Premier League lasted just seven minutes, a brief cameo that did nothing to help his development.
For a player who had impressed at youth international level with Brazil and was highly rated by Chelsea, his time at Forest was nothing short of a disaster. The loan was cut short in January 2024, and he returned to Chelsea without having had any real chance to showcase his ability in England’s top flight.
Revival at Strasbourg: A Star is Born
Upon his return to Chelsea, the Blues wasted no time in finding a new loan destination for Santos. This time, he was sent to Strasbourg, a club in Ligue 1 that is part of Chelsea’s ownership group under BlueCo. Unlike at Forest, Santos was given regular playing time in France, and he has flourished as a result.
At Strasbourg, Santos has developed into a well-rounded midfielder capable of influencing games in multiple ways. He has demonstrated excellent composure on the ball, strong passing ability, and a growing reputation as a goal threat—something that was never seen at Forest simply because he was never given a chance.
His performances have been so impressive that some of Europe’s biggest clubs have taken notice. Reports from Calciomercato suggest that Juventus, AC Milan, PSG, and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing him, recognizing his potential as a top-tier midfielder.
Chelsea’s Plans and the £33 Million Price Tag
Chelsea are reportedly keen to keep hold of Santos, seeing him as an important part of their future plans. However, with interest from elite clubs, they could be tempted to sell if the right offer comes in. It is believed that Chelsea would demand around £33 million for the 20-year-old—a huge jump in valuation from when he was barely getting a look-in at Forest just a year ago.
For Nottingham Forest fans, this situation will feel like a missed opportunity. A player who was in their squad, who trained at the City Ground, and who could have contributed to their midfield, is now being pursued by clubs that regularly compete for league titles and Champions League glory.
What Forest Lacked That Santos Provides
Since Santos’ departure, Forest have settled on Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson as their primary central midfield options. Both players have been important for the club, but neither offers the kind of goal-scoring threat that Santos has developed at Strasbourg.
Yates, while a hardworking and aggressive presence in midfield, has managed just four goals this season. Anderson, who is generally more attack-minded, has only scored once in his entire Forest career.
By contrast, Santos has shown a much greater ability to contribute in the final third. He not only takes more shots than Anderson but also registers a higher number of shots on target per 90 minutes. Additionally, his duel-winning ability and passing accuracy surpass Anderson’s, suggesting that he has become a more complete midfielder.
While Anderson has been a solid performer for Forest, it is interesting to consider what Santos might have offered if he had been given the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
A Cautionary Tale for Nottingham Forest
Andrey Santos’ rapid rise is a stark reminder of how quickly a player’s fortunes can change. Just a year ago, he was struggling to get a single minute of football at Nottingham Forest. Now, he is a highly sought-after talent, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe chasing his signature.
For Forest, his story serves as a lesson in squad management, scouting, and player development. If they had given Santos more opportunities, they might have unearthed a real gem—one who could have become a key player for them in midfield. Instead, they let him slip away, and now he is thriving elsewhere.
While it is unlikely that Forest will ever get another chance to sign Santos, his story will remain one of the club’s biggest “what ifs.” Had circumstances been different, he might have become a star at the City Ground. Instead, he is now on the verge of a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs—while Forest are left wondering what might have been.