Manchester United have reportedly handed Andrey Santos the number 17 shirt as his move from Chelsea nears its official unveiling.
According to The Peoples Person, citing transfer insider Sam Cohen, Santos will wear the same squad number he used at Stamford Bridge.
United agreed a deal with Chelsea earlier this week for the 22-year-old Brazil international. Sky Sports and ESPN have reported the package is worth £48m plus £2m in achievable add-ons, with Chelsea also retaining a 10% sell-on clause.
Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed Santos has signed his United contract at Carrington, leaving the club announcement as the final step.
ReadManUtd previously covered Romano’s “here we go” update on Santos and United, with the midfielder now close to being formally presented.
Carrick’s Midfield Rebuild Moves On
Santos is expected to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
His arrival gives Michael Carrick a major midfield addition after United missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window.
United needed fresh control and athleticism in the department even before Manuel Ugarte’s long-term World Cup injury. Santos now arrives as one of the key pieces in Carrick’s rebuild.
ReadManUtd has also tracked United’s transfer shift after the Ederson deal stalled over medical concerns, with Santos offering a clearer and younger option for the engine room.
The shirt number detail adds another sign the move is almost complete.
United still need to unveil Santos officially, but the deal has moved beyond the negotiation stage. The next step is seeing where he fits once Carrick starts shaping his midfield for pre-season.
