Manchester United sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Premier League rivals Chelsea for a fee that could rise to £50 million. The 22-year-old is set to undergo a medical after the clubs agreed on a package of £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons, with Chelsea also securing a 10 percent sell-on clause. The move is part of a significant midfield rebuild at Old Trafford under manager Michael Carrick.

The transfer addresses a pressing need for United, who prioritized central midfield reinforcements following the departure of veteran Casemiro and an extended injury to Manuel Ugarte. The club had explored other targets, including Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham, and Elliot Anderson, but ultimately moved decisively for Santos. He is expected to join fellow Brazilian Ederson, who is also finalizing a £35 million move from Atalanta, as new additions to the squad.

Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 and made 43 appearances for the club last season, scoring three goals. He also gained Premier League experience during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest. Sources close to the player indicated he was keen to secure more regular first-team...