Transfer Centre

Majority of Chelsea fans back Enzo Maresca decision over youngster

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 June 2024

Majority of Chelsea fans back Maresca decision over youngster

Chelsea's supporters have their say on whether they would like a youngster to remain at Stamford Bridge, with almost 90% deciding in his favour.

The majority of Chelsea supporters have supported an alleged decision made by new head coach Enzo Maresca.

On the back of Mauricio Pochettino departing by mutual consent, the Blues hierarchy opted to appointed the Championship-winning Leicester City boss as his successor.

That will now bring about a period of transition for Chelsea with Maresca arriving with the task of implementing a new style of play, one which will revolve around possession.

Such a change may not suit all of the current squad with it being suggested that Conor Gallagher's attributes may not be the best fit for Maresca at a time when co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital want to sell one of the leaders in the dressing room.

Chelsea are already well-stocked for players who can step in for Gallagher should he leave Stamford Bridge, and there has been speculation regarding the development of Andrey Santos.

Brazil's Andrey Santos reacts on June 3, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea fans show faith in Santos

A report has suggested that Maresca would prefer to retain the services of the 20-year-old, rather than he be allowed to spend another season out on loan.

Maresca is said to feel that the one-cap Brazil international could be a perfect fit for his strategy in Chelsea's engine room next season.

Sports Mole posed the question to supporters over whether the West Londoners should keep or sell the former Vasco Da Gama youngster.

Despite having yet to make his competitive debut for Chelsea, an incredible 89.4% of fans want to see Santos integrated into Maresca's squad.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly in February 2024. © Reuters

How has Santos won over Chelsea fans?

With Santos having barely featured for Nottingham Forest during the first half of last season, Boehly and Clearlake perhaps wondered whether they had wasted an alleged £18m.

However, it became apparent during the final months of the campaign that Santos had potential as he starred for Strasbourg - under the same owners as Chelsea - during an 11-game spell.

Such was the high level of Santos's performances that he won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month award in March, while he also scored a last-gasp winner in a match against Metz last month.

While Santos has spoken of his admiration for Strasbourg, a second loan spell now looks unlikely providing that he impresses during pre-season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are of the opinion that two of their more experienced players should be sold before the end of the transfer window.