Chelsea star reveals real reason he turned down £60m Saudi Pro League transfer | Football

A young Chelsea star has explained why he ‘immediately declined’ a very lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

The Blues have sold numerous players to Saudi Arabian teams in the past few years, with Joao Felix most recently joining Al-Nassr for £26million.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side also tried to poach Marc Cucurella but the left-back rejected their advances and has signed a contract extension.

While the Premier League’s transfer window has slammed shut, Saudi’s remains open until September 23 and it was reported this week that Chelsea had been in talks to sell Andrey Santos to the Middle East.

Al-Qadsiah expressed an interest in signing the midfielder and had made an offer worth £60m, which Enzo Maresca appeared open to accepting.

Santos was offered a contract worth £7m-a-year – five times what he earns at Stamford Bridge – but the transfer collapsed after the player rejected the move.

It was reported that the 21-year-old wants to remain in contention for the Brazil squad but would have been interested in the move if Al Qadsiah had doubled their already lucrative proposal.

Now, in an interview with Trivela, Santos has confirmed the rumours and stated his decision was mainly motivated by his desire to play for his country at the 2026 World Cup.

‘The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup,’ he said.

‘I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.’

To date, Santos has won three caps for Brazil and came off the bench as Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Chile 3-0 in World Cup qualifying on Friday.

Chelsea spent around £11m to sign Santos in 2023 but he has found opportunities very limited at the Bridge, spending time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.

He now looks set to play a more active role under Maresca this season, coming off the bench in the Blues’ opening three games, and is keen to demonstrate his versatility to his head coach.

‘I really enjoy playing defensive midfielder, I even think it’s my main position, because I grew up as a defensive midfielder,’ Santos added.

‘But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a bit further forward, but I feel comfortable playing in both positions.’

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