Manchester United have completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Premier League rivals Chelsea as part of Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth £50 million, becoming United’s first permanent signing since Carrick was appointed head coach.
According to Sky Sports’ report on the completed transfer, United will pay an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million due in add-ons. Chelsea have also secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The move was formally completed on July 13 after Santos passed his medical and finalised personal terms.
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Santos hails special United move
Santos described the transfer as an important step in his career and revealed his excitement at working under one of United’s most decorated former midfielders.
“Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” Santos said.
“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.”
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The comments were published as part of United’s announcement and reproduced by Sky Sports.
United secure key midfield target
United identified central midfield as a priority area before the summer transfer window opened.
Santos is primarily regarded as a combative central midfielder, but he can also operate in a more advanced role or sit deeper in front of the defence. His ability to win possession, carry the ball and break opposition lines made him an attractive option for Carrick’s squad.
United director of football Jason Wilcox said Santos had been one of the club’s leading targets.
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“Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch,” Wilcox said.
“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.”
United also believe Santos’ versatility will allow him to complement the club’s existing midfielders rather than being restricted to one specific role.
Chelsea spell comes to an end
Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in January 2023 but initially struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.
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He was sent on loan to Nottingham Forest before spending 18 months with Strasbourg, where he developed into one of Ligue 1’s most highly rated young midfielders.
As described by Chelsea in their official confirmation of his departure, Santos helped Strasbourg qualify for the Conference League and was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month in March 2024.
He returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2025 and became a regular member of the first-team squad. Santos made 47 appearances for the London club in total and was part of the squad that won the 2025 Club World Cup.
He featured 43 times in all competitions during his final season, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
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Despite that progress, competition for midfield places remained intense, with Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández among the established options at Stamford Bridge.
The move to Old Trafford is expected to offer Santos a clearer route to regular first-team football.
Carrick handed important reinforcement
Santos becomes a significant addition to a United midfield undergoing considerable change.
His arrival gives Carrick a young, physically strong and technically capable option who already has experience in both the Premier League and Ligue 1.
United’s recruitment staff are also familiar with the midfielder. Christopher Vivell, who now works as the club’s director of recruitment, was involved when Chelsea originally signed Santos from Vasco da Gama.
The Brazilian has already joined his new teammates for pre-season training and will wear the number 17 shirt at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s official squad page confirms that he joined the club in July 2026.
