Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, adding one of the most exciting young midfield prospects in the Premier League in their squad.
The 22-year-old arrives at Old Trafford for a reported £50m, with United paying an initial £48m plus an additional £2m in add-ons Chelsea are also understood to have included a ten percent sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Santos has signed a long-term contract with Manchester United until 2031, with the club also adding the option to extend the deal by 12 months.
For United, his arrival represents another significant step in the rebuilding of their midfield. For Santos, it marks the start of a new chapter after a career that has already taken him from Brazil to England and France.
Manchester United Complete Andrey Santos Signing
Manchester United’s desire quickly developed for Santos, but the club was reportedly chasing the Brazilian for some time.
Once his signing became a possibility, United moved decisively to reach an agreement with Chelsea.
The midfielder completed his medical before putting pen to paper on his long-term settlement, ending his time at Stamford Bridge.
Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 from the Brazilian side Vasco da Gama as one of the brightest young midfield prospects in South American football. But his path to regular first-team football in London was not clear.
Loan stints at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg followed, and his time in France proved particularly essential to his development.
He eventually returned to Chelsea as a more experienced and complete midfielder, making forty-three appearances in all competitions throughout the 2025/26 season and contributing 3 goals and 4 assists.
His career will now continue at Old Trafford.
What Andrey Santos Brings to Manchester United
Santos is a midfielder capable of contributing at each end of the pitch.
He is comfortable winning the ball, competing physically, and helping his team regain possession, yet his game exceeds just the defensive job.
The Brazilian also possesses the technical qualities to carry the ball forward and contribute in attacking areas. His ability to make nicely timed runs in the penalty area is one of the most remarkable parts of his improvement.
That versatility may want to make him an important player for Manchester United.
United have been looking to reshape their midfield with more young players who are capable of bringing power and depth to the team. Santos, 22, fits that profile while already having some experience within the Premier League and senior global football.
He additionally made six appearances for the Brazilian national team, underlining the progress he has made at a very young age.
A New Chapter After Leaving Chelsea
Leaving Chelsea represents a weighty decision for Santos.
Competition for places at Stamford Bridge has remained fierce, and a move to Manchester United helps him to establish himself as a central part of another Premier League club.
Every player coming to Old Trafford is expected to perform, and the £50 million fee will surely provide extra attention. But Santos has already proven he can face challenges already in his young career.
His journey has not been consistent, but each level has helped shape him into the player that Manchester United have signed.
Andrey Santos Becomes a Key Part of United’s Midfield Rebuild
Manchester United went into the summer realizing that a full-size overhaul was desired in midfield.
Santos brings in youth, athleticism, and room for additional development. More importantly, he is coming at an age in which he can contribute all at once while still growing in coming years.
The Brazilian may not be able to clean up every trouble in United’s midfield on his own; however, his signing provides the team with another vital building block.
For the fans, there is a lot to celebrate about.
Santos was already skilled in English football and had the potential to become a more mature player, developed over the period of his time abroad. Now he has the possibility of taking a leading step in his life.
Manchester United has invested closely in his potential, and the expectation can be that he will be an important player at Old Trafford for years to come.
The deal is done. The announcement is official. Andrey Santos is a player for Manchester United—and now the real journey begins.
This announcement comes after United secures Tielemans.
