Juventus Identify Andrey Santos As Alternative To Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Andrey Santos has been shortlisted by Juventus as a potential alternative to Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 

Santos is widely regarded as one of European soccer’s brightest prospects and Juve is keeping tabs on the Chelsea starlet.

During the Blues EFL Cup win over Cardiff on December 16, Santos shined in the 3-1 quarter-final victory and provided the assist for Pedro Neto’s goal.

Andrey Santos Transfer News

With Juventus prioritizing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in January, Andrey Santos has been identified as a back-up option. That is in case a deal with Marseille can’t be reached.

Naturally, the French side doesn’t want to lose one of their star players mid-season. That is why Juve is likely to offer Manuel Locatelli in a swap-deal.

If that fails to tempt OM, then the Bianconeri will turn to Santos. The Brazilian ace has made 17 appearances for Chelsea this season across all competitions.

Santos has nine starts to his name but the Old Lady would be able to offer more minutes on the pitch in order to aid his overall development.

Would Andrey Santos Move To Juventus On A Permanent Deal?

As it stands, it’s extremely unlikely Chelsea would sell Andrey Santos to Juventus on a permanent deal. After all, the Brazil international is beginning to flourish under Enzo Maresca this year.

In fact, it’ll take some serious convincing from Juve’s perspective to even tempt the Club World Cup winners to part ways with Santos mid-season. Especially as Maresca’s men face nine games in January alone.

However, the squad depth at Stamford Bridge is plentiful. Therefore, a straight loan deal – with a sizable fee – could and should be enough to see the Blues allow Santos to leave on a temporary basis.

Playing week in, week out for one of Europe’s elite will not only benefit the Premier League giants, it will allow Luciano Spalletti to improve his midfield options and enhance his own chances of finishing in the top four.

Who Else Could Juventus Sign In January?

Adding midfielders is the main priority for Juventus in the upcoming transfer window. If deals for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Andrey Santos can’t be reached, a number of stars have also been identified.

Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is a prime candidate. His contract is up in the summer so a cut-price deal could be reached next month.

Elsewhere, Austrian international Xaver Schlager is also being considered. Like Goretzka, his contract expires in June 2026 so current employers RB Leipzig may be tempted to cash-in.

Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi is also an option. However, Roma leads the Frattesi race currently so the likes of Quinten Timber and veteran Brazilian Casemiro are also on Juve’s radar.