Manchester United have completed the £48m signing of Brazil international midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, the first major move in a summer rebuild of their engine room. The 22-year-old has passed his medical and signed a contract running to June 2031, with the club holding an option to extend for a further year. It is a statement addition for Manchester United as they look to reshape their midfield ahead of the new season.
United agreed a fee with Chelsea last week, and Santos wasted no time once terms were settled. He has already started training with his new team-mates, raising the prospect of an early involvement in pre-season.
Andrey Santos to Manchester United: Key Facts
- Fee: £48m paid to Chelsea
- Contract: To June 2031, with an option for a further year
- Age: 22, Brazil international
- Last season: 43 appearances for Chelsea
- Honours: Part of the Chelsea squad that won the 2025 Club World Cup
Why United Moved for Santos
Santos arrives with a reputation as one of the most complete young midfielders in the Premier League. Comfortable breaking up play and driving forward, he made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season and was part of the squad that lifted the Club World Cup in 2025. Despite that workload at club level, he was not selected for Brazil's World Cup squad this summer, which has allowed United to complete the deal and integrate him early.
Director of football Jason Wilcox made clear the club view Santos as a foundation signing rather than a finished article.
"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 in an important position.
"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, Manchester United Director of Football
Santos on Joining United and Working with Carrick
At Old Trafford, Santos will play under head coach Michael Carrick, a former England midfielder whose own career gives the Brazilian an obvious mentor in his position.
"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.
"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
Tielemans Talks Advance as Ederson Deal Collapses
Santos is unlikely to be the only midfield arrival. United are in advanced talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with the Belgian seen as an experienced complement to Santos's energy and athleticism.
There has been a setback elsewhere, however. United's planned £35m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been scrapped for now after a medical highlighted an injury-related issue. The club have not ruled out revisiting the deal, but the collapse increases the importance of concluding the Tielemans negotiations quickly.
The £48m outlay on Santos ranks among the club's biggest midfield purchases, though it remains some way short of the fees that feature in the British football transfer records, where United appear more often than any other buying club.
When Could Santos Make His United Debut?
With Brazil's World Cup campaign not involving him, Santos has a full pre-season ahead. United begin their summer programme against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, and having already trained with the squad, the new signing could feature in that opening fixture.
Supporters will hope Santos can help restore the midfield standards set during the club's most successful eras, detailed in the Manchester United Premier League record season by season.
Andrey Santos Manchester United Transfer: FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions about Andrey Santos's move to Manchester United.
How much did Manchester United pay for Andrey Santos?
Manchester United paid Chelsea £48m for Andrey Santos. The fee was agreed last week, and the transfer was completed after the midfielder passed his medical.
How long is Andrey Santos's contract at Manchester United?
Santos has signed a deal running to June 2031, and Manchester United hold an option to extend the contract for a further year.
Why was Manchester United's move for Ederson scrapped?
United's planned £35m signing of Ederson from Atalanta was scrapped for now after a medical highlighted an injury-related issue.
When could Andrey Santos make his Manchester United debut?
Santos has already started training with United and could be involved early in pre-season, which begins against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.