Manchester United have completed the permanent signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £48 million plus a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons, with the 22-year-old signing a contract until June 2031. Both clubs confirmed the transfer on Monday, making Santos one of United’s marquee acquisitions ahead of the new season.
The Brazil international arrives at Old Trafford following an impressive rise over the past two seasons. After joining Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, Santos gained valuable experience through loan spells at Vasco, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg before returning to Stamford Bridge for the 2025-26 campaign, where he made 43 appearances in all competitions.
Manchester United have identified Santos as a key addition to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Casemiro and an injury to Manuel Ugarte, which has left head coach Michael Carrick seeking greater depth and balance in the centre of the park.
Speaking after completing the move, Santos described the transfer as a dream come true, saying the opportunity to represent Manchester United was impossible to turn down and expressing his determination to help the club compete for major honours.
United officials also highlighted the Brazilian’s leadership qualities, technical ability and maturity despite his age, believing he possesses the attributes to become a long-term pillar of the squad.
Chelsea, meanwhile, confirmed Santos’ permanent departure after agreeing the £50 million package with their Premier League rivals. The transfer represents a significant profit on the fee paid to Vasco da Gama in 2023 and forms part of the club’s ongoing squad restructuring ahead of the new campaign.
Although Santos was not included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he remains highly regarded as one of the country’s brightest midfield prospects and will now look to establish himself in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
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