Chelsea’s sporting directors have taken refuge under the avalanche of criticism as the January transfer window slams shut. Fans believed they were due signings to add to a squad that has been inconsistent in recent times. Instead, the club had sold or loaned out fringe players and principally left the first team unaltered. Santos is a prime example.
The only notable move? His loan at Crystal Palace was cut short. Exciting, right? But the club’s big response to criticism has been to say to fans that they are “already planning next season.” However, this doesn’t necessarily benefit Chelsea at present.
Then there is Andrey Santos—a talented midfielder, the perfect solution to the current predicament for Chelsea’s squad. However, the club chose to recall him instead of Strasbourg. Why?
Santos Stays: The Logic (or Lack Thereof) Behind the Decision
As if Chelsea’s sporting directors clearly skipped that class; let’s talk logic.
The midfield is a position that the team really needs solid cover for. Also, too much falls upon Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández shoulders, and an injury to either one could be fatal. Who is in waiting anyway? Santos—a promising young midfielder, currently on loan at Strasbourg. Obviously, a recall would be the obvious choice.
However, Chelsea have decided to keep hold of him in France. The reason? They did not want to cause any disruption to Strasbourg’s season. Sweet, but since when does the priority for Chelsea belong to Chelsea? This may be a decision that bites them in the end when injuries strike.
Andrey Santos: The Midfield Savior Chelsea Refused
Let’s break it down. Brazilian midfielder Santos is reputed to be exceptional in the ball progression and defensive covering areas. He is solid in his performances at Strasbourg and getting experience.
But what about Chelsea? Rotation is needed for the midfield options they have. Santos is young and energetic and will bring fresh legs, tactical flexibility and depth.
The club, however, is focusing on the projects. Well, that’s great, but doesn’t preparing for the future turn out to be to succeed in the moment?
A Decision That Could Backfire
Suppose Yesterday, Moisés Caicedo goes down with an injury tomorrow. Every minute, every game must be played by Enzo Fernández, and Chelsea kept moving without form. The awaken end up missing out on Champions League football. It isn’t so clever, suddenly, to keep Santos in France.
In football, every season matters. Refusing to recall a much-needed talent while developing young players is something that should not happen. That, either, as though blind optimism or sheer incompetence.
My Take on Chelsea’s Strategy
I, as a Chelsea fan, am sure frustrated. The club’s long-term obsession is admirable, but football exists now, not later. There was an immediate solution in the form of Santos, but the club chose loyalty to Strasbourg ahead of their own success. They have no one to blame except themselves if Chelsea’s midfield crumbles.
A Risky Gamble
Either this is a masterstroke or it’s a disaster—Chelsea’s decision to leave Santos at Strasbourg. At best, fine if the team survives the injury curse and finishes in the top four. However, if the midfield is depleted, fans will justifiably voice why an easy fix was so easily overlooked.
Which would be the best way to plan for next season? Do not let this be a disaster season. My hope is that Channel learned that lesson the hard way, but hopefully Chelsea hasn’t yet.
Could Chelsea regret this in May?
The season ends, and Chelsea just about fails to seal a Champions League berth. Midfield was a calamity; we wore down, and injuries piled up. When this decision comes around for us to remember it all, fans will wonder, ‘Why didn’t we recall Santos when we had the chance?’
There’s no guarantee of anything in football; hence, depth is everything. Sometimes, though, the short term defines a season, and Chelsea were in danger of doing that now. I hope they don’t live to regret this.
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