By Adegboyega Adeleye
Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million, both clubs said on Monday.
The 22-year-old joins the Red Devils on a contract until June 2031, with the option of a further year, after United agreed to pay an initial £48 million plus £2 million in performance-related add-ons. Chelsea will also retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
Santos becomes one of manager Michael Carrick’s key signings as United continue their midfield rebuild following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term knee injury.
Speaking after completing the move, the Brazil international said joining Manchester United fulfilled a childhood dream.
“To be honest, since I was young, I dreamed of this moment. The history and the responsibility that come with this badge – that’s why I’m here,” Santos said.
The former Chelsea midfielder also revealed his excitement about working under Carrick, whom he described as the ideal coach to help him develop.
“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 and push to achieve my dreams.
“Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is, and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”
Manchester United Director of Football Jason Wilcox described Santos as one of the club’s priority targets.
“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. Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”
Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2023 before loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg helped accelerate his development.
After returning to Stamford Bridge, he established himself as a regular in Chelsea’s midfield during the 2025/26 campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions as the Blues enjoyed their strongest run of the season and lifted the FIFA Club World Cup.
Although he earned six senior caps for Brazil, Santos narrowly missed out on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the five-time champions were eliminated in the Round of 16.
United believe the Brazilian’s arrival will immediately strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new Premier League season, with the club viewing him as the long-term successor to Casemiro and an important addition after Ugarte suffered a serious knee ligament injury during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat to Spain.
Santos has already joined his new teammates for pre-season training and could make his first appearance in United colours when Carrick’s side begin their preparations against Wrexham later this month.
The transfer also continues United’s aggressive summer recruitment drive as the club remains in talks over further midfield reinforcements following Santos’ arrival.
