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Manchester United have finalised an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos for a total package worth £50 million, which includes £48 million upfront and an additional £2 million in performance-based add-ons. Chelsea will also retain a 10% sell-on clause in the deal, as reported by BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone, referencing information from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The transfer marks one of United’s most substantial midfield investments in recent years. The structure of the deal – a guaranteed £48 million, £2 million in potential add-ons, and a retained sell-on percentage – indicates that Chelsea negotiated firmly to maintain a financial interest in Santos’s future transfers.

Simon Stone noted, “As per David Ornstein, an agreement has been reached between Manchester United and Chelsea for Andrey Santos – £48m + £2m plus a 10% sell-on clause.”

Santos, aged 22, is a central midfielder from Brazil who began his professional career at Vasco da Gama before joining Chelsea in January 2023. He spent loan periods at Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg as Chelsea carefully managed his development. His breakthrough came during the 2025–26 campaign, when he featured in 43 matches across all competitions and played a key role in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph.

Capable of operating either as a deep-lying No.6 or a more advanced No.8, Santos blends defensive tenacity with forward-thinking passing, fitting perfectly into United’s plans to strengthen their midfield. His long-term contract with Chelsea, running until 2030, provided the London club with strong bargaining power – a factor that heavily influenced the final transfer fee.

Manchester United have made midfield reinforcement their top priority this summer, and Santos brings the kind of creativity and press resistance they have been seeking. His arrival follows the confirmed signing of fellow Brazilian Ederson from Atalanta, with the duo expected to reshape United’s midfield dynamics for the upcoming season.

Chelsea had already turned down offers from West Ham United and Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, which were reportedly valued between €50 million and €70 million. This underlines how highly Chelsea valued Santos and explains why United had to exceed those bids to complete the signing.

The next steps involve Santos undergoing medical tests and finalising personal terms at Old Trafford. Once that process is complete, manager Ruben Amorim will determine how to integrate Santos alongside Ederson – assessing whether one will hold the defensive line while the other drives play forward.