Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos in a deal worth up to £50m.
The Athletic reports that United will pay £48m plus £2m in easily achievable bonuses for the 22-year-old Brazil midfielder.
Chelsea are also set to retain a 10% sell-on clause. Santos has agreed personal terms with United and has been given permission to travel to complete the transfer.
The deal gives Michael Carrick another midfield addition after United also agreed a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
United’s need in that area has grown across the summer. Casemiro left at the end of last season, while Manuel Ugarte is facing an extended spell out after suffering knee ligament damage with Uruguay at the World Cup.
The Guardian had previously reported that United were targeting Santos, with Chelsea valuing him at about £50m.
Santos Adds Youth And Ball-Carrying Quality
Santos is capable of playing as a No.6 or No.8. That flexibility is a major part of the appeal for United.
He joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 and was under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030. He made 43 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring three goals and adding four assists.
His route to regular starts at Chelsea looked difficult. Moises Caicedo signed a new contract until 2033 in April, while Chelsea still have significant midfield depth.
For United, the move is about profile as much as numbers. Santos is young, athletic and comfortable carrying the ball through midfield.
He also offers duel strength and progressive passing. Those qualities explain why United’s recruitment department had already tracked him before this summer.
ReadManUtd has covered how United’s move for Santos fits Carrick’s midfield rebuild as the club look to refresh the centre of the pitch.
United Still Need More Experience
Santos will not solve everything on his own.
He is 22 and still developing. He has six Brazil caps, but was not part of Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad this summer.
United still lack some experience after Casemiro’s departure. Santos and Ederson would give Carrick legs, energy and long-term value, but the midfield still needs leadership.
The Athletic’s analysis also notes that United hope to sign two more midfielders this summer, alongside Ederson. That makes Santos part of a wider rebuild, not the final piece.
United missed out on other targets. Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes moved to Tottenham after Spurs met West Ham’s £85m valuation.
Santos arrives with a different fee, profile and pressure point. He is not the marquee midfield signing some supporters wanted, but he gives United a high-upside player with Premier League experience.
For Carrick, the task is now clear. Santos must be given a role that turns potential into authority.
If United manage that properly, the £50m package could become a smart midfield investment rather than just another expensive Premier League gamble.
