Manchester United Complete Andrey Santos Deal

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million.

The Red Devils will pay an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons. Santos has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old opted to leave Chelsea in search of regular first-team football after finding opportunities limited behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. He made 27 Premier League appearances last season, although only 13 came as a starter.

With Chelsea not involved in European competition for the 2026/27 season, Santos was eager to secure a move, and United acted swiftly to complete the transfer. The Brazil international also missed out on Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad this summer.

Speaking after sealing the move, Santos said: “Everything about Manchester United is special. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.

“As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick. He is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.

“Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know how strong the squad is, and I can’t wait to fight alongside my teammates and compete for the biggest trophies.”

Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, described Santos as a key signing.

“Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch,” Wilcox said.

“He was one of our priority targets in an important position, so we’re delighted to bring him into Michael’s squad early in pre-season.”

Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 and previously spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg before making the switch to Old Trafford.