Manchester United announced on July 13, 2026, that they have signed Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea on a contract lasting until June 2031 [1, 2, 3]. The 22-year-old midfielder joined Chelsea in 2023 and has since had loan spells at Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg before returning for the 2025-26 season [1, 2].
The transfer fee paid by Manchester United is reported at £48 million with potential add-ons of £2 million, marking a significant investment in bolstering their midfield options [1, 2, 3]. Santos' signing follows the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season after his contract expired, filling the gap left by the experienced Brazil international [1, 2].
Santos made between 28 Premier League appearances and 43 total appearances for Chelsea in the 2024-25 season, according to different reports [1, 2, 3]. Although he has earned six caps for Brazil, he was not selected for the 2026 World Cup squad [1, 2].
His arrival is expected to provide crucial support after Manchester United's recent loss of midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who suffered a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain last month [1, 2].
Addressing the transfer, Santos said: "To be honest, since when I was young, I dreamed of this moment. The history, the responsibility that comes with this badge, that's why I'm here" [1]. He also added, "Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. 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" [3].
Manchester United are also in advanced talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, potentially for £35 million, while not proceeding with a previously agreed £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson [3].
