Manchester United Complete £50m Signing of Chelsea Midfielder Andrey Santos

• Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million, with the 22-year-old signing a contract until 2031.

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million.

The 22-year-old has signed a contract until June 2031, with the option of a further year, after United agreed to pay an initial £48 million plus £2 million in performance-related add-ons. Chelsea will also retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Santos becomes one of manager Michael Carrick’s key summer signings as the Red Devils continue rebuilding their midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term knee injury.

Speaking after completing the move, the Brazil international described joining Manchester United as a dream come true.

“To be honest, since I was young, I dreamed of this moment. The history and the responsibility that come with this badge – that’s why I’m here,” Santos said.

The midfielder also expressed his excitement about working under Carrick, saying the former Manchester United star is the perfect coach to help him develop.

“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,” he added.

Manchester United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, described Santos as one of the club’s priority transfer targets.

“Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch. He was a key target for us, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United,” Wilcox said.

Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in 2023 before spending time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. He later established himself in Chelsea’s first team during the 2025/26 season, making 43 appearances and helping the Blues win the FIFA Club World Cup.

Although he narrowly missed Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Manchester United believe the Brazilian has the quality to become a long-term successor to Casemiro.

Santos has already linked up with his new teammates for pre-season and could make his unofficial debut later this month as United prepare for the new campaign.