Manchester United have strengthened their midfield ahead of the new season with the signing of Brazilian international Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million, including performance-related add-ons, described as easily achievable.
The Premier League club confirmed the transfer on Monday, announcing that the 22-year-old has signed a contract until June 2031, with the option of a further year, subject to registration.
Santos has been handed the number 17 shirt at his new club, same number he donned while at Chelsea.
Santos arrives after an impressive rise in European football. Having initially joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama, the midfielder enjoyed a standout loan spell at Strasbourg before returning to Stamford Bridge, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young players.
Manchester United believe his arrival will strengthen the centre of the park at a time when the club is seeking greater control, creativity and energy in midfield especially after the departure of Casemiro and long term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
The Brazil international joins the squad in time for pre-season, giving him an early opportunity to adapt to his new surroundings under head coach Michael Carrick.
“Everything About Manchester United Is Special“
Santos did not hide his excitement after completing the move, describing the transfer as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” the midfielder said after signing his contract.
He also expressed his eagerness to work under Carrick, one of the finest midfielders in United’s modern history.
“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.”
Andrey Santos
The Brazilian added that conversations before the transfer reinforced his belief that United are building a competitive environment capable of challenging for major honours.
“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.”
Andrey Santos
Outstanding Numbers Highlight Rapid Development
Santos arrives at Old Trafford with an impressive résumé despite his young age.
The midfielder captained Brazil at Under-23 level and was part of Chelsea’s squad that lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 in the United States though his involvement was limited.
His leadership qualities have consistently been highlighted throughout his development, including during his loan spell at Strasbourg, where he wore the captain’s armband on several occasions.
His performances in France played a significant role in accelerating his progress. Santos scored 11 goals and supplied five assists from midfield, demonstrating an ability to influence matches in both penalty areas while helping Strasbourg remain competitive throughout the campaign.
Back at Chelsea last season, he made 43 appearances across all competitions and produced some of the league’s most impressive passing statistics among young midfielders.
He recorded the highest pass-completion percentage and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes of any Premier League midfielder aged under 22, illustrating both his composure in possession and willingness to move his team forward.
Those attributes made him one of Manchester United’s priority targets as the club sought to inject greater technical quality into its midfield.
United Back Santos to Flourish at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, believes the Brazilian possesses all the qualities required to become a key figure at the club. “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch,” Wilcox said.
He revealed that Santos had been identified early in the recruitment process and praised the timing of the transfer, which allows the midfielder to participate fully in pre-season preparations.
Wilcox also pointed to Santos’ considerable room for growth despite the experience he has already accumulated.
“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.”
Jason Wilcox, Director of Football at Manchester United
The signing reflects United’s continued investment in emerging talent capable of making an immediate impact while forming part of the club’s long-term plans. At just 22 years of age, Santos arrives with experience in England, France and international football, as well as a reputation for leadership beyond his years.
With pre-season now underway, attention will quickly turn from completing the transfer to integrating the Brazilian into Carrick’s system. If his performances over the past two seasons are any indication, Manchester United supporters have every reason to believe they have secured one of the game’s brightest young midfielders.
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