Manchester United have signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea. The 22-year-old midfielder joins United in a deal worth £48m plus £2m in easily achievable bonuses.
What happened?
Andrey Santos said: “To be honest, since I was young, I dreamed of this moment.” He is capable of playing at a No 6 or No 8.
Why it matters for Manchester United
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.”
What comes next?
United have prioritised strengthening in midfield this summer after the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte suffering knee ligament damage. Alongside the signing of Santos, United are also close to completing a deal to sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow as a free agent. Andrey Santos had been subject of enquiries from multiple suitors. He started 13 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League matches last season. Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023. He had a short loan spell with Nottingham Forest before spending 18 months on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1. United still lack experience in the middle of the park and, in that sense, Santos will not fully replace Casemiro, who was a hugely influential presence on the way to last season’s third-place Premier League finish. The advancing move comes as a transfer for Ederson to Old Trafford has been abandoned for now, despite a deal worth €40.5million fixed plus €4.5m of potential add-ons and personal terms being agreed last month. Santos is proof that dreams do come true. He cannot wait to play in front of these fans, alongside this team and help create new memories. He is here to bring energy, to compete, to win the ball, drive the team forward, and give everything for this club. Now, he is going to make his name in the history of this big, big club. United’s intention has been to sign as many as three midfielders this summer, and they are set to finalise a deal for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa due to the midfielder’s £35m release clause.
