Just in: ‘Special’ EPL star who idolises Casemiro ‘open’ to joining Man Utd

Chelsea midfielder is reportedly ready to make the move to Manchester United, who have revived their interest in him.

The Red Devils are currently in the midst of a midfield reboot after parting ways with Casemiro and losing Manuel Ugarte to injury, but it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

INEOS have secured an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson, who should join the club after the World Cup, but two squad spots remain vacant, and several main targets have already faded, mainly Elliot Anderson, who signed for Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes, who moved to Tottenham.

Man Utd rekindle interest in Andrey Santos

After missing out on Anderson and Fernandes, it was only a matter of time before Jason Wilcox and Co. turned to other profiles.

On Sunday, Santos re-emerged as a serious target for Man Utd. The Guardian was the first source to report the news, while later confirmations arrived from Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Nevertheless, British journalist Ben Jacobs went a step further, claiming that the 22-year-old is ‘open’ to signing for the Old Trafford outfit, who face competition from Newcastle.

“More on Andrey Santos. Understand along with Manchester United, Newcastle are also keen,” posted Jacobs on his X account.

“Player is open to a move because he wants a starting role.”

More on Andrey Santos. Understand along with Manchester United, Newcastle are also keen.

Player is open to a move because he wants a starting role.

Manchester United first enquired when Chelsea signed Alejandro Garnacho. Back then, Chelsea not open to a sale, but now a deal is… pic.twitter.com/G1gnoAbJLx

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 5, 2026

The journalist also reminded us that the Chelsea midfielder was also linked to Man Utd last summer, as his name emerged when the two clubs were negotiating Alejandro Garnacho’s transfer.

“Manchester United first enquired when Chelsea signed Alejandro Garnacho. Back then, Chelsea not open to a sale, but now a deal is possible if it suits all parties.”

Is Santos the right profile for Man Utd?

As a Brazilian holding midfielder, it was no surprise to hear Santos admitting he grew up ‘idolising’ Casemiro. Therefore, the prospect of inheriting his compatriot’s role at Carrington could be too tempting to resist, especially amidst his lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old has been on Chelsea’s books since January 2022, when they poached him from Vasco da Gama. The midfielder, who was hailed as a ‘special talent’, spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg before returning to West London last summer.

Last season, he made 43 appearances across all competitions, contributing with three goals and two assists. However, he didn’t quite establish himself as a regular starter, as Chelsea’s successive managers often preferred Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the double pivot, with even Reece James moving to a central role at times.

While it remains unclear if the situation will change under Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian would certainly fancy a move.

(Stats via DataMB)

As the metrics suggest, Santos’ game has shades of Casemiro’s. The young Brazilian truly excels at winning duels and picking up a teammate upfront with progressive passes, while mostly sitting in a deeper role.

Man Utd certainly need a player with his characteristics, but one might feel that the club need a more accomplished profile, like Aurelien Tchouameni, who won a host of trophies as a protagonist for Real Madrid and France, rather than a Chelsea back-up.

Nevertheless, Santos represents a younger alternative with an affordable asking price (circa £50 million), and a large margin of improvement.