Manchester United have agreed a £50 million deal with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in one of the biggest Premier League transfers of the summer.
The agreement is worth an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons.
Chelsea have also secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal, while Santos is now preparing to undergo a medical before completing his move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Brazil’s brightest young midfielders over the last two seasons and was expected to play an important role at Stamford Bridge. However, his chances of becoming a regular starter became increasingly limited.
Chelsea cash in on promising midfielder
Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 but spent time away from the club on loan to continue his development.
After a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest, he impressed during an extended loan with Strasbourg before earning his chance in Chelsea’s first team.
Last season, Santos made 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
His energetic displays in midfield earned praise, but Chelsea’s strength in the middle of the park meant regular starts were never guaranteed.
The situation became even more difficult after Moises Caicedo signed a new long-term contract earlier this year, further increasing competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield.
Rather than remain on the bench, Santos has now opted for a fresh challenge with one of Chelsea’s biggest domestic rivals.
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United strengthen midfield options
Manchester United have moved quickly to complete the transfer as they continue rebuilding their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Santos is expected to add energy, quality and versatility to Michael Carrick’s midfield after agreeing personal terms with the club.
Once he successfully completes his medical, the Brazil international will officially become a United player.
The move represents another statement signing from United, who believe Santos has the potential to become one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders over the coming years.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have decided that the financial package on offer was too good to reject despite Santos’ obvious talent and long-term potential.
With the clubs now agreeing terms, only the final formalities remain before one of the summer’s most eye-catching transfers is completed.
Santos is expected to travel to Manchester shortly to finalise the deal and begin the next chapter of his career.
