Manchester United have reach an agreement to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea on a long terms contract that includes a sell-on clause Incase any further big move.
The Old Trafford club have taken a definitive step in their summer recruitment strategy by reaching a formal agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder.
The deal, confirmed on today, marks a significant investment for the Red Devils as they look to reshape their squad under manager Michael Carrick.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he confirmed the agreement between Chelsea and Manchester United saying: “Andrey Santos to Manchester United, here we go. Deal in place with medical now booked in next 24h for Brazilian midfielder.
“Manchester United to pay £50m matching price asked by Chelsea plus 10% sell-on clause.
“Contract until June 2031 to be signed tomorrow.”
The financial structure of the transfer highlights the high regard in which the 22-year-old is held by top Premier League clubs.
Manchester United are set to pay a guaranteed fee of £48 million, with an additional £2 million in performance-related add-ons that sources indicate are highly achievable.
Furthermore, the agreement includes a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring that Chelsea retains a financial stake in the player’s future.
With personal terms already finalized, Santos has been granted official permission to travel and undergo a medical examination at Carrington.
Should the medical proceed as expected, the announcement will mark the first major midfield arrival for United this summer.
Meanwhile, the Premier League side have successfully negotiate a deal for Atalanta’s Éderson after some delay which stopped the whole process.
The path to this signing was not straightforward for the Manchester club. Earlier in the transfer window, United were heavily linked with several other targets, including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes.
However, after missing out on these players who largely opted for other Premier League projects, United’s recruitment team shifted focus toward a younger prospect with proven top-flight experience.
The decision from Chelsea to sell stems from a crowded midfield roster under Xabi Alonso. Despite showing glimpses of immense potential, including notable performances during the 2025/26 campaign, Santos found himself competing with established stars like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez for minutes.
With his pathway to a regular starting role appearing blocked at Stamford Bridge, both the player and the club reached a mutual understanding that a move was in his best interests.
Andrey Santos is viewed as a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder capable of operating in a box-to-box capacity.
Since arriving from Vasco da Gama in 2023, he has gained valuable experience both at Chelsea and during loan spells, maturing into a reliable presence in the middle of the park.
His ability to contribute both defensively and in the final third having registered three goals and four assists last season, fits the profile of the all-action midfielder that Carrick desires as he looks to evolve United’s tactical setup.
Following the departure of Casemiro and the recent fitness concerns surrounding Manuel Ugarte, the addition of Santos provides much-needed depth, energy, and long-term potential to a United midfield currently undergoing a vital transition.
As the 2026/27 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Santos integrates into the squad. If he can translate his raw talent into consistent Premier League output, this £50 million deal may well prove to be one of the shrewdest pieces of business conducted this summer.
