Chelsea are just days away from their Club World Cup quarter final against Palmeiras, and everything is going really well.
The Blues are already deep into the tournament, and could easily make it to the final. Prize money is flowing in and the new players seem to be gelling with their teammates.
It’s not gone smoothly for everyone, however. One player who has not had the expected impact is Andrey Santos. The Brazilian was tipped to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament for the Blues after a brilliant season and a half on loan at Strasbourg, but in fact things have gone totally the other way.
He’s played just 22 minutes, and the levels to which he’s been ignored have people speculating about his future.
On TBR Football, chief correspondent Graeme Bailey painted a very negative picture.
Santos future uncertain at best
Andrey Santos in preseason training. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
“Chelsea are briefing that Santos is fully part of their plans — that was always the case. Obviously during the Club World Cup he hasn’t been massively involved, so let’s see how it goes.
“I think Chelsea are very open with what they want to do with him. As it stands, they are saying that he stays and is part of the first team squad, but could that change? Of course it could. This is Chelsea we’re talking about, and from that point of view, if you’re not hitting your straps then there won’t be a place for you in the squad.
“I think Santos is going to have to really impress and impress quickly otherwise there won’t be a future for him at Stamford Bridge.”
Santos dumping would be shocking but not unprecedented
It would seem insane to dump him so soon after a brilliant spell in France, and more shockingly without ever having given him a chance to start. But we’ve all seen the turnover of players under this ownership, and we wouldn’t be totally shocked.
