Manchester United reach agreement to sign Brazilian midfielder

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in a deal worth up to £50 million as manager Michael Carrick continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. 

The transfer will see United pay an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million in achievable add-ons, while Chelsea have secured a 10 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

The 22-year-old has been granted permission to undergo a medical after negotiations accelerated in recent days. 

Santos is expected to become United’s latest summer signing alongside Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who is also set for a medical ahead of his proposed £35 million move from Serie A side Atalanta following Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.

United identified central midfield as a priority this summer after Casemiro departed at the expiration of his contract. 

The situation became more urgent following a serious knee injury to Manuel Ugarte, while moves for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes failed due to their high transfer fees and Fernandes’ eventual move to Tottenham Hotspur.

With Kobbie Mainoo still away on World Cup duty with England, United were facing the prospect of beginning pre-season with Mason Mount as their only recognized senior central midfielder. 

Santos’ arrival is expected to provide an immediate solution before the club’s opening pre-season fixture against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue reshaping their squad, with Santos becoming the club’s third major departure of the summer transfer window. 

The Brazilian follows Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid, and Tyrique George, who completed a move to Everton as the Blues continue their squad overhaul.

Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in 2023 in an £18 million deal and was regarded as one of the country’s brightest midfield prospects. 

Manchester United will now hope the Brazilian can make an immediate impact as Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield and guide the club back into contention on both the domestic and European fronts.