Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, subject to registration.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract until June 2031, with United holding an option to extend the agreement by another season.
Santos arrives in a package worth £48m plus £2m in add-ons. Chelsea have also retained a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
United identified him as a leading target for Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s World Cup injury.
“I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick,” Santos told United’s club media.
“He is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.”
Santos adds control to Carrick’s midfield
Santos made 43 Chelsea appearances last season and won the Club World Cup with the London club in 2025.
United say he recorded the highest pass-completion rate and most progressive passes per 90 minutes among Premier League midfielders aged under 22 last season.
His technical security, defensive strength and ability to contribute in both penalty areas should offer Carrick several midfield options.
United director of football Jason Wilcox described Santos as an “outstanding midfielder” with the potential to develop further at Old Trafford.
ReadManUtd previously examined how Santos can become a central part of United’s new midfield structure.
The £50m agreement with Chelsea was reached last week before Santos completed his medical and signed his contract.
His arrival gives Carrick a young, Premier League-ready midfielder early enough to take part in pre-season.
United are still pursuing further midfield additions, but Santos now becomes the first major piece of the club’s summer rebuild.
