AFCON 2025
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in a deal worth up to £50 million, according to reports.
The transfer gathered pace over the past few hours after United formally expressed their interest in the 21-year-old over the weekend. The Red Devils will pay an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons that are considered achievable. Chelsea have also secured a 10% sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Santos has now been granted permission to undergo a medical ahead of completing the move to Old Trafford. He is expected to be joined by fellow Brazilian Ederson, who is also scheduled for a medical before finalising his £35 million transfer from Serie A side Atalanta following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup.
The signing addresses a key area of concern for Manchester United, who prioritised strengthening their midfield after the departure of Casemiro at the expiration of his contract. The situation worsened after Manuel Ugarte suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury that is expected to keep the Uruguayan out for an extended period.
United explored several alternatives during the transfer window, but a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson proved financially unfeasible, with the midfielder valued at more than £110 million. They also showed interest in West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes before Tottenham Hotspur secured his signature in an £85 million deal.
With Kobbie Mainoo still away on international duty with England at the FIFA World Cup, United risked beginning their pre-season schedule with Mason Mount as their only recognised senior central midfielder ahead of their opening friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.
For Chelsea, Santos’ exit represents another major departure during the summer transfer window. The Brazilian midfielder becomes the club’s third significant sale following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid and Tyrique George’s transfer to Everton.
