Chelsea have confirmed Andrey Santos’ shirt number for the Club World Cup and beyond.
The Brazilian signed to Chelsea in 2023 but is yet to make a first-team appearance, having served three loan moves at Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg in the interim.
After impressing in Ligue 1, where he fast became a fan favourite at Strasbourg, he is now set for a return to Cobham and has been named in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup in America.
He will don the No17 shirt for the tournament, and will likely continue with it in the Premier League season.
That shirt went unclaimed last season, and he will become Chelsea’s first No17 since Carney Chukwuemeka in 2023-24.
Santos had previously worn both No20 and No39 as he made a handful of friendly appearances for Chelsea. At other points in his career, No8 and No18 have both proven favourites, though they are currently held by Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku, respectively.
As Santos boards the plane to the United States this summer, Chelsea’s Mathis Amougou is set to fill his place at Strasbourg. The French midfielder joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in January and made just two appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side. His squad number was poached by incoming Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders.
Santos, currently on international duty with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, has spoken publicly about his Chelsea ambitions as he courts transfer interest from a variety of clubs.
"I want to play,” he said. “I want to have minutes to be able to earn my place in the World Cup.
“I want to consolidate myself in Chelsea, I want to play regularly and be an undisputed starter, win titles with this shirt.
"In principle, I stay at Chelsea. I spoke with Romeo [Lavia] and Moi[ses Caicedo]. I'm anxious to get to Chelsea. When we talk about Chelsea, it is a matter of winning and fighting for all competitions. With the Club World Cup, it will not be different. We want to be the champions."
