​Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea over the transfer of midfielder Andrey Santos, according to sources cited by ESPN. The clubs are believed to be arranging an initial fee of £48 million (about $64 million) for the 22-year-old Brazilian talent, with potential add-ons worth up to £2 million (around $2.3 million) that could be triggered depending on performance milestones or team achievements. Personal terms are already agreed, and Santos has reportedly been given clearance by Chelsea to proceed with a medical examination.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of Santos comes after their unsuccessful attempt to land Mateus Fernandes, who has since joined Tottenham from West Ham for a reported £85 million (approximately $114 million). The switch of Fernandes to Spurs has prompted United to turn their attention to Santos as a potential midfield bolster for the squad. The club is seeking to strengthen midfield options as they look to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
In related news, speculation surrounding Éderson’s proposed move from Atalanta has drawn attention, though sources close to Manchester United have dismissed claims that the transfer is being hindered by a problematic medical. Manchester United are believed to have already agreed the structure of the deal with Atalanta and with Éderson’s representatives, paving the way for a full medical to proceed. This development comes as the Brazil international’s World Cup participation concludes; a comprehensive medical assessment is anticipated once Brazil’s World Cup campaign ends.
If the Santos deal progresses as planned, Manchester United would be adding a dynamic young midfielder who has drawn interest from top clubs across Europe. His versatility and technical ability could provide Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or the club’s current manager with fresh options in central midfield, allowing flexibility in formation and style of play. Santos has impressed with his ball-handling skills, vision, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from midfield, characteristics that could align well with United’s tactical approach.
Chelsea’s perspective in the ongoing negotiations emphasizes a strategic move to offload a young asset while ensuring the transfer terms maximize potential future resale value or on-field impact. For United, securing Santos would represent a significant step in rebuilding a competitive midfield core capable of sustaining pressure in domestic competitions and European campaigns. The deal’s completion would depend on the medicals, final contract details, and any regulatory approvals required by the clubs and governing bodies.
As negotiations move forward, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Santos can rapidly adapt to the intensity of the Premier League and demonstrate the form that has attracted interest from multiple clubs. The potential arrival of Éderson from Atalanta, if validated, would further shape Manchester United’s midfield depth and options, signaling a broader strategic push to refresh the squad’s engine room.
In summary, Manchester United are actively pursuing Andrey Santos from Chelsea with an initial £48 million fee and up to £2 million in add-ons, while personal terms are in place and a medical has been green-lit. This move follows United’s earlier miss on Mateus Fernandes and comes amid ongoing discussions regarding Éderson’s transfer, which appear to be progressing toward a full medical post-World Cup. The situation remains dynamic, with official confirmations likely to follow as medicals are completed and contracts are formalized.