Manchester United upped the ante in their pursuit of Andrey Santos yesterday and agreed a deal worth £50 million with Chelsea.
The Red Devils will pay £48m upfront, while Chelsea will retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the youngster, as per David Ornstein.
🚨 EXCL: Manchester United reach agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos. Deal for 22yo #CFC midfielder worth £48m + £2m easily achievable add-ons & 10% sell-on clause. Permission given to undergo #MUFC medical; personal terms in place @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/TY4qfwhHT4
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 8, 2026
Why United have moved for Andrey Santos
Santos’ versatility is said to have attracted United to him this summer, with the 22-year-old able to play as both a No.6 and a No.8.
Andrey Santos doubles Chelsea's lead over Spurs! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/0m2u1bAM6H
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026
He signed for the Blues in December 2022 in a £17.5m switch from Vasco de Gama, before returning to his boyhood club on loan.
The six-capped Brazilian, who missed out on a World Cup call-up this summer, has also enjoyed a successful loan spell with Strasbourg and, in August 2023, spent five months with Nottingham Forest before being recalled due to his lack of minutes.
Santos preparing for medical with compatriot Ederson
Although he is rated highly at Stamford Bridge, there has been an acceptance that Santos needs more game time, hence allowing him to leave when a suitable offer arrived.
| Appearances | Starts | Goal contributions | Minutes played |
| 43 | 25 | 7 | 2,410 |
Santos’ record in all competitions last campaign
He featured sparingly last season as it was, so the fact that the London outfit have no European action to account for in 2026/2027 would’ve left Santos harbouring serious concerns over the role he’d play, as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are two of the first names on the teamsheet.
Assuming both his and Ederson’s medicals are successful, United will then get to work on their ‘marquee’ midfield signing, as confirmed by The Athletic.
Manuel Ugarte suffering a long-term injury has impacted INEOS’ plans on the transfer front, as he was almost certain to be sold before the deadline.
However, it’s only emphasised the need for depth in the middle of the park, especially ahead of United’s return to the Champions League.
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