Manchester United have reached a £50 million agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, according to reports. The 22-year-old is set to become the second arrival in Michael Carrick's midfield rebuild, following compatriot Ederson from Atalanta.
The deal includes an initial £48 million upfront payment, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Personal terms between United and the player have already been finalized. As part of the agreement, a 10 percent sell-on clause has been inserted, ensuring Chelsea will receive a portion of any future transfer fee.
Medical and Personal Terms Finalized
Santos has been granted permission to travel to Manchester to undergo a medical examination. The move is expected to be completed shortly, with the Brazilian poised to fill the void left by Casemiro, whose contract expired on June 30. Santos was the first player signed under Todd Boehly's ownership at Chelsea but now looks set to depart after three years at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, Santos made 42 appearances for Chelsea under managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, primarily as a rotational option. It was his first full campaign in England after loan spells at Nottingham Forest and RC Strasbourg.
World Cup Omission and Pre-Season Plans
Santos was included in Carlo Ancelotti's initial 55-man World Cup squad for Brazil in June but was omitted when the list was reduced to 26 players. However, Ederson was later called up as an emergency replacement after Wesley's injury. Santos has had time to rest before pre-season, which Carrick sees as a boost as United prepare for friendly fixtures in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Ireland.
It remains unclear whether Santos' arrival will end United's reported interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Carrick has been active in the summer transfer window, and Santos is expected to partner Ederson in midfield.
