Man United’s midfield rebuild has already taken a major step forward this summer with the arrival of Ederson, but the club have not stopped there.
With Michael Carrick now leading the project at Old Trafford, United are pushing to reshape the centre of the pitch with younger, more dynamic profiles.
Carrick is reportedly keen to build a midfield that can control games through possession while still offering energy and physicality, and that has led the club to move decisively for another emerging talent.
That player is Andrey Santos.
Man Utd agree deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
According to journalist David Ornstein, Man United have now reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the Brazilian midfielder in a deal worth £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons, alongside a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has already been granted permission to undergo a medical, with personal terms agreed, meaning the transfer is effectively in its final stages.
This move fits perfectly into the direction Carrick is trying to take the squad, coming after they missed out on a deal for Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.
Why Man United have opted for Andrey Santos
Santos is still only 22 but already carries the profile of a complete modern midfielder.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
David Ornstein is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and well-connected football journalists. Writing for The Athletic, he consistently breaks major transfer stories involving top clubs. His information is usually sourced directly from clubs or senior figures, making his reports some of the most reliable in modern football coverage. |
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Finances |
The deal, worth up to £50m including add-ons, reflects Santos’ immense potential. The 10 per cent sell-on clause allows Chelsea to retain future value. For United, the structured payments help manage spending under financial rules while still securing a highly rated young midfielder for the long term. |
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Insight |
Santos began his career at Vasco da Gama, where he quickly stood out for his maturity and goal-scoring from midfield. A move to Chelsea followed in 2023, with Santos working hard to earn his spot in the team, most notably impressing on loan at sister club Strasbourg. He is known for his energy, tackling, late runs into the box and leadership qualities at youth international level. |
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Impact |
Santos could add balance and dynamism to United’s midfield. His ability to defend, carry the ball and contribute goals (12 in 45 appearances for Strasbourg) makes him a versatile option alongside Ederson. Under Carrick, he has the potential to develop into a key player. |
He combines defensive awareness with the ability to drive forward, contribute goals and link play between the lines.
That blend of attributes makes him an ideal complement to Ederson, who offers more physical presence and ball-winning ability.
The financial structure of the deal is also telling.
Chelsea retain an interest in the player’s future development, while United secure a highly-rated talent without committing to an even larger upfront cost.
For Santos, the move represents a huge opportunity.
Breaking into Chelsea’s midfield has consistently proven difficult given their depth in that area, but at United he would have a clearer pathway to regular football after Casemiro’s exit to Inter Miami.
Carrick’s track record as a midfielder himself could also play a key role in shaping his development, particularly in refining his positioning and decision-making at the highest level.
This could be a strong signing for United.
Santos brings energy, technical ability and long-term potential, all of which are essential for a team trying to build.
