​Andrey Santos asked Chelsea for permission to leave in search of more playing time this summer, paving the way for his move to Manchester United. United have agreed to sign the Brazil international for an initial £48 million, with up to £2 million in add-ons. Santos has already agreed personal terms with the club under Michael Carrick and is expected to undergo a medical before the transfer is completed.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Santos pressed for an exit due to limited opportunities during the 2025/26 season. After his loan spell at Strasbourg, he started only 13 Premier League games, prompting him to seek a fresh start elsewhere. United emerged as the ideal environment for the next chapter of his career, with the midfielder hoping to secure regular minutes.
Santos is not the only Brazilian on the verge of joining United. Ederson is set to accompany him to Old Trafford after undergoing yet another medical examination ahead of a £35 million move from Atalanta. The pair would bolster United’s midfield options as they recover from Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury and the departure of Casemiro on a free transfer.
For context, this transfer activity comes amid ongoing discussions about the World Cup Golden Boot race, where Lionel Messi has surged ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The broader football world continues to watch how these movements at club level might influence national team dynamics and future tournaments.
As fans and analysts follow the latest developments, United’s recruitment drive reflects a broader strategy to refresh the squad’s midfield depth. With Santos and Ederson poised to arrive, United aim to add quality and resilience to the engine room, addressing recent gaps and ensuring more consistency in selections across competitions.