Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos for a fee of £50 million, according to sources close to the negotiations. The deal marks a significant step in the club's summer transfer plans as manager Michael Carrick prepares his side for a return to the Champions League after a one-season absence.
Santos, 20, joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 but has yet to make a competitive appearance for the London club. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he made 10 Premier League appearances and showed glimpses of the talent that made him one of Brazil's most promising young midfielders. The Brazilian has also earned two senior caps for his national team, further underlining his potential.
The transfer is part of a broader recruitment drive at Old Trafford, with United reportedly working on a seven-man shortlist of targets to reinforce multiple positions. The club's hierarchy has identified midfield as a priority area following the departure of several senior players and the need to add depth for a demanding campaign that includes domestic and European commitments.
In addition to Santos, United are believed to be pursuing Bournemouth's Alex Scott, a 20-year-old English midfielder who impressed in the Championship last season. Scott, who can operate both as a central midfielder and in a more advanced role, has attracted interest from several top-flight clubs, but United are considered frontrunners for his signature. The club's recruitment team has been monitoring Scott's progress closely, and talks with Bournemouth are expected to intensify in the coming days.
The agreement for Santos represents a swift move by United's transfer negotiators, who have been working to secure deals early in the window to allow Carrick time to integrate new signings before the season begins. The club's return to the Champions League has provided a financial boost and increased the appeal of a move to Old Trafford for potential recruits.
Santos is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, with personal terms not anticipated to be a stumbling block. The midfielder is said to be eager to join United and work under Carrick, who has a reputation for developing young talent. The deal could be officially announced by the end of the week, subject to the completion of paperwork and regulatory approvals.
The signing would add to United's midfield options, which currently include Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen. Santos is viewed as a long-term investment who can provide competition and cover, particularly in the deeper midfield roles. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball efficiently aligns with Carrick's tactical preferences.
United's transfer activity is not expected to stop with Santos and Scott. The club has also been linked with a new striker, a right-back, and a goalkeeper, as Carrick seeks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title and making a deep run in Europe. The seven-man shortlist includes targets across multiple positions, with the club's recruitment team working to identify players who fit both the budget and the manager's system.
The £50m fee for Santos reflects the premium placed on young, high-potential players in the current market, but United's hierarchy believes the investment is justified given the midfielder's age, international experience, and room for development. Chelsea, meanwhile, will record a significant profit on a player who cost them an initial £12m, as the London club continues to balance its books under Financial Fair Play regulations.
Santos's arrival would also strengthen United's connection with the Brazilian market, which has been a fruitful source of talent for the club in recent years. The presence of compatriots such as Casemiro and Antony at Old Trafford is expected to help Santos settle quickly into his new environment.
As the transfer window progresses, United fans will be watching closely for further announcements. The club's early activity suggests a clear strategy and a determination to avoid the late scrambles that have characterized some previous windows. With the Santos deal all but done and Scott's pursuit advancing, Carrick's squad is taking shape ahead of what promises to be a pivotal season.
