Top News

Manchester United are set to confirm their first signing of the summer after Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos officially signed his new contract at Old Trafford, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have been following Santos for a significant period, with their interest originating last summer. At that time, United explored the possibility of including the Brazilian in transfer talks involving Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Chelsea.

However, Chelsea made it clear that the 22-year-old midfielder was not available for sale, leading United to halt discussions. Garnacho later completed a £40 million transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Despite the setback, United continued to stay in touch with Santos’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, keeping communication open in case the opportunity to revisit the move arose in the future.

Earlier this year, in February and March, United held two meetings with Bertolucci to assess the feasibility of a summer deal. The club sensed a chance as Santos had grown increasingly unhappy with his limited playing time in West London.

After unsuccessful pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier this month, United turned their full attention to Santos as a priority target.

The two clubs quickly agreed on a £50 million deal. While Chelsea still value Santos highly, they accepted the offer, recognising the difficulty he would face in breaking into a midfield already featuring Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.

Following the agreement, Santos travelled to Carrington on Thursday to undergo his medical examination. He verbally accepted a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

With the medical completed smoothly—unlike another United target—Santos was scheduled to formally sign the contract today.

According to Romano, the Rio de Janeiro-born player has now signed the contract, leaving only the club’s official announcement pending.

Romano stated, “Andrey Santos has signed his contract as new Man United player. Up next; club statement.”

Within Manchester United’s ownership group, INEOS reportedly view the £50 million fee as strong value, particularly in today’s inflated market, where players of Santos’s calibre often command nearly twice that amount. In Brazil, there is also growing belief that Santos could serve as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who left Old Trafford last month.

Given his age, potential, and technical attributes, Santos represents a logical addition to United’s squad both strategically and financially. The mutual enthusiasm between player and club highlights what appears to be a well-judged piece of business from the Manchester side.