Manchester United Complete Signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea in €58m Deal

Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, confirming a deal that could reach €58 million. The 22-year-old becomes the first addition to United’s midfield overhaul this summer, with the club also working to finalise a move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans. Santos has signed a contract running until 2031, with an option for a further year, and Chelsea have inserted a 10% sell-on clause into the agreement. United originally appeared set to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for around €45 million, but further medical assessments of a long-term knee concern scuppered that deal. The club quickly pivoted to Santos, a long-standing target who was keen to leave Stamford Bridge for regular first-team football. “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” Santos told club media. “As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick — he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career.” The Brazil youth international had previously been discussed by the two clubs during negotiations over Alejandro Garnacho last summer, but Chelsea refused to sell at the time. Director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch. He was a key target for us in an important position.” United, who will play Champions League football this season, see Santos as a key piece of their midfield rebuild under Carrick.