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News
- 51 minutes ago
'Best player in the world' faces uncertain future as Chelsea chase €90m deal
Cameron Smith
- 25 Nov 2025 13:19 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea reportedly remain interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios and they are ready to rival Liverpool for his signature in 2026.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for several months, amid his impressive form under Diego Simeone, while Liverpool have now expressed their interest in finalising a deal.
Current ETV
Andrey Santos
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
Andrey Santos
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€41.7M - €51M
That is according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Chelsea are ready to step up their pursuit of Barrios as they look to agree a transfer for the €90 million-rated Spain international.
Enzo Maresca’s side have earmarked Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson as a possible target for next year, however Barrios is also on their radar and they are ready to complete a big-money midfield signing in 2026.
The Spaniard has made 16 appearances across all competitions so far this term and while his form has been eye-catching in La Liga, Chelsea’s continued pursuit of his signature suggests that one of their current midfielders could be set to depart next year.
Romeo Lavia appears to be the most likely candidate, due to his injury record and reports that Chelsea were happy to include him in the deal for Alejandro Garnacho this summer, although fitness concerns could dissuade any interested clubs.
Andrey Santos, who was described as “the best player in the world” earlier this year, could therefore face an uncertain future, especially as he was wanted by numerous teams across Europe and Saudi Arabia before the end of the 2025 summer window.
Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Andrey Santos following Burnley win
While Chelsea are evidently keen to sign Barrios, Santos’ recent performance against Burnley suggests the Blues would be foolish to allow the Brazilian to depart in 2026.
Santos was selected to play in the middle of the park alongside Enzo Fernandez and he deservedly picked up the Man of the Match award following a starring display during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Turf Moor.
After the game, Maresca told reporters: “Andrey was excellent. His position is the position he played today. With us most of the time he has been playing a little bit higher, in the pocket.
“In that [deeper] position we have Moi [Caicedo], so we try to find solutions for Andrey. We are aware his position is the one he played today.”
Santos has made 18 appearances for Chelsea since returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg in June, while his current contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2030.
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