United Secures Santos
Manchester United Secures £50m Andrey Santos Transfer to Bolster Midfield
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Key Points
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Santos’s path to Chelsea involved loan spells away from the club, including a stint with Nottingham Forest where he made only two appearances before being recalled in January 2024, followed by back-to-back Ligue 1 loans at Strasbourg as he developed.
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Santos contributed to Chelsea’s campaign at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking his involvement in Chelsea’s participation at the tournament.
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Chelsea’s signing of Santos is described as the club’s first signing under Todd Boehly’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.
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Mirror Football reports Santos is set to become Michael Carrick’s first official signing as United manager.
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The deal includes a lengthy contract with United, reportedly running to June 2031, while wages are not disclosed in reports.
Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, according to West London Sport and Head Topics. The package includes £48m upfront and £2m in achievable add-ons, plus a 10% sell-on clause that gives Chelsea a share of any future sale. Santos, 22, is now set to undergo a medical in Manchester.
The signing fills a major gap in United's midfield. Casemiro has departed, Manuel Ugarte is injured, and Kobbie Mainoo faces a World Cup absence. United also missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes to rival clubs before pivoting to Santos.
Santos Set to Become Carrick's First United Signing
Santos is expected to be Michael Carrick's first official signing as Manchester United manager, according to Mirror Football via Head Topics. He will sign a long-term contract running to June 2031. Wages were not disclosed in any reports. United move fast here — the medical is already being arranged in Manchester.
The deal is described as the third significant Chelsea sale in a short period, per West London Sport. Chelsea bought Santos as their first signing under Todd Boehly's ownership at Stamford Bridge. Now, just a few years on, they cash in at £50m.
From Vasco da Gama to Old Trafford via Loan Struggles
Santos came up through Brazilian side Vasco da Gama before Chelsea signed him. His early years in England were tough. He went on loan to Nottingham Forest but made only two appearances before being recalled in January 2024. Chelsea then sent him on back-to-back loan spells in France's Ligue 1 with Strasbourg.
The Strasbourg loans proved key to his development. Santos grew into a reliable midfielder in France, earning a return to Chelsea and a place in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup squad. He played a part in Chelsea's campaign at that tournament before this United move came together.
Chelsea's 10% Sell-On Clause Explained
The sell-on clause means Chelsea keep a financial stake in Santos even after the sale. If United sell him in the future for, say, £80m, Chelsea would receive 10% of that fee — £8m. It is a common tool clubs use to protect value when selling younger players with upside.
Chelsea receive £48m now, up to £2m more if add-ons are met, and a future cut if Santos moves on. For United, the total outlay is capped at £50m. Sports Yahoo and West London Sport both confirm the same fee structure, with no meaningful differences in reported terms across outlets.
United's Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape at Old Trafford
United's midfield has been stretched thin heading into the new season. Casemiro's exit left a clear hole. Ugarte's injury has added pressure. Mainoo's World Cup schedule limits his availability. The club tried and failed to land Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes before Santos emerged as the key target.
At £50m, Santos is a significant investment. He is 22, under contract until 2031, and arrives with top-flight experience in England and France. United now have a young, mobile midfielder who can grow with the club — exactly what the rebuild at Old Trafford needs, according to The Busby Babe.
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