Manchester United Secure £48 million Transfer for Brazil Midfielder Andrey Santos

Manchester United have been rebuilding a midfield depleted by the departure of Casemiro at the end of the 2025-26 season and the long-term injury to Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte. The club also missed out on Mateus Fernandes after West Ham rejected a £85 million offer. Seeking a young, Premier-League-experienced midfielder, United turned to Andrey Santos, a 22-year-old Brazil international who joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023. After loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg—where he recorded 12 goals and five assists in 45 games—Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea in 2025-26, starting 25 times, including 13 Premier League matches.

New York Times

Chelsea have granted Santos permission to travel and complete the transfer, retaining a 10 percent sell-on clause while agreeing to a £48 million fee plus £2 million in achievable bonuses. The club’s willingness to move the Brazil international follows a shift from its earlier “not for sale” stance, allowing United to negotiate without the higher valuation demanded for Fernandes. United’s recruitment department, which evaluated Santos last summer, views the signing as a cost-effective way to add depth and potential to a midfield still lacking the experience Casemiro provided.

New York Times

Some sections of the United fanbase may view the sale of Santos to a domestic rival with skepticism, questioning whether the midfielder will secure a regular starting role at Old Trafford. Critics note that, while Santos offers developmental upside, he does not constitute the marquee signing many supporters have demanded as part of the club’s broader rebuild.

New York Times

• “Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos.” — The Athletic

New York Times

• “United will pay a fee worth £48million plus £2m in easily achievable bonuses, with Chelsea set to retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the midfielder.” — The Athletic

New York Times

• “Santos fits the bill, in that respect, and bears some similarities to Fernandes in playing style.” — Mark Critchley, Manchester United correspondent, The Athletic

New York Times

• “The Athletic has also reported that Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are currently expected to stay, but selling Andrey Santos to a domestic rival may raise eyebrows among sections of the fanbase though.” — The Athletic

New York Times