Manchester United have revived their interest in Andrey Santos after missing out on both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
According to Guardian Sport journalist Will Unwin, ‘an offer is anticipated’ from United.
United and Andrey Santos: The state of play
Chelsea value the 22-year-old at £50 million, and he is said to be ‘open’ to a move away from Stamford Bridge in order to secure increased game time elsewhere.
Santos ranks behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order, which is unlikely to change in Xabi Alonso’s reign – unless Fernandez gets his wish of leaving before the deadline.
Last season, the six-capped Brazilian made 43 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, only 25 of which came from the off. He totalled 2,410 minutes of action on the pitch and was an unused substitute for 14 matches.
Andrey Santos doubles Chelsea's lead over Spurs! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/0m2u1bAM6H
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026
Having featured so little in a campaign in which the Blues had Champions League fixtures on the schedule, Santos will undoubtedly harbour concerns over the role he’d play in 2026/2027 when they have no European football at all to account for.
Why are INEOS targeting Santos?
United’s interest comes after they agreed a £39m package for Ederson, whose medical has been delayed due to his late World Cup call-up.
They opted against submitting a formal bid for Anderson after learning of his preference to join Manchester City, whom he officially signed for last week.
BREAKING: Elliot Anderson has completed his record-breaking £116m transfer to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest 🚨 pic.twitter.com/lY8H8rc9fu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 2, 2026
As for Fernandes, he had the likes of United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all contemplating moves for his signature following West Ham’s relegation, until Tottenham Hotspur entered the mix and made it clear they’d match his price tag.
They agreed a whopping £85m deal with the Irons, with Fernandes, who’s only 21, said to be earning ‘silly money’ in North London.
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