Jamie Redknapp is right, £50m star will wish he never left Chelsea
Chelsea cashed in on a whole heap of players. Enough to make an entire team – and some have made a brilliant start. For Andrey Santos, he might wish he never left to join Man United.
Some have left Chelsea and instantly hit the ground running. Enzo Fernandez, for example, at Man City to Jimmy Jay-Morgan at West Brom. But there are others that have failed to make an instant impact.
Andrey Santos is one example. He joined Man United early in the summer window, completing a £50m move to Old Trafford. He’s managed just 83 minutes in the Premier League under Michael Carrick.
Jamie Redknapp is concerned for Andrey Santos at Man United
It’s a bad time to be a Man United fan. Carrick has watched his side struggle at this early stage in the season and on Wednesday night, the Red Devils surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose at home to Brighton.
Santos started the game, only his second start for Carrick’s men. He struggled, and was subbed off on 66 minutes. Speaking ahead of the game, Jamie Redknapp identified the problem that Santos has at United.
“This was an unusual signing, I don’t want to write the kid off, he’s only 22. He’s very similar to Youri Tielemans, he’s not the quickest, plays in a deep role,” Redknapp said, speaking on Sky Sports.
Is it too early to say Chelsea have made a mistake selling Andrey Santos?😬
“When Baleba is fit, I think that will be their midfield three – Tielemans, Baleba and Bruno Fernandes. So where he fits in, I don’t know. By all accounts, good guy, works hard in training, a decent work ethic.
“But it is one of those signings that, when you pay £50m to sign him from Chelsea, where is he going to get into the team? I’m sure he’ll be questioning that at times. I don’t see him in their best eleven.”
Chelsea’s midfield situation will have Santos feeling regret
Santos left Chelsea because he felt he would get more game time at Man United. With Chelsea signing Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco, it might have made sense – but then, United signed Baleba.
With Chelsea failing to replace Enzo Fernandez and requiring a more defensive-minded midfielder, Santos might have been ideal. That technician that can go alongside Moises Caicedo and play in transition.
Santos thrives in that role. He showed last season that he can partner Caicedo well, his ability to read the game, to intercept attacking passes – he was a solid partner. Santos may feel he regrets leaving Chelsea.
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