​Any time now, Andrey Santos is set to be confirmed as a Manchester United player. United sealed the deal on Wednesday, with the Brazilian poised to move from Chelsea. The club offered £50 million, £48 million guaranteed with £2 million in add-ons, and Chelsea accepted, also including a 10% sell-on clause for the London club.
On Thursday, Santos underwent a medical at Carrington, which reports indicate he passed with flying colours. He has since signed a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. Much has already been written about the 22-year-old, but the chatter from Brazilian media is the part that will most please United fans.
Gazeta do Paraná described him as “one of the most promising Brazilian footballers currently playing in Europe.” Super Vasco highlighted the substantial expectations on the midfielder, saying: “Andrey arrives in Manchester surrounded by high expectations to take over the starting position and the spot left by fellow Brazilian Casemiro.” Trivela positioned him as a Casemiro replacement, noting: “Given his previously chosen replacement for Casemiro and his high quality, Andrey arrives at Manchester United as a potential midfield protagonist.”
They explained why Santos could settle in smoothly, though they suggested his arrival, alongside Ederson’s, might leave Kobbie Mainoo as a potential odd man out: “One of the situations to be addressed is the possible addition of Bruno Fernandes and another player, theoretically Ederson or Kobbie Mainoo. If this is the midfield, entirely Portuguese-speaking, it’s possible to say there’s a clear balance of characteristics. While Andrey tends to be the positional organiser, Ederson will be vital for pressing and covering long distances. Finally, Bruno is the decision-maker, one of the best in the world last season. A promising trio.”
The expectations surrounding Santos are considerable. The hope is that he injects defensive steel into United’s engine room, with his strong tackling, aerial dominance, and intelligent short passing helping to win midfield battles and drive progression. His tenacity and potential align with the aspirations INEOS had when securing the deal. He is expected to receive the minutes he has been seeking and should grow into a regular starter alongside Mainoo. When paired, the duo should help secure Manchester United’s midfield for the foreseeable future, giving the club a stable platform for years to come.
The Peoples Person has long been one of the leading sources of Manchester United news globally. Follow us for updates and insights as the club finalises Santos’s arrival and maps out its midfield plans for the seasons ahead.