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Manchester United confirm signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea ahead of new Premier League season - 'An incredible feeling'
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Updated 13/07/2026 at 14:33 GMT+1
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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea. The 22-year-old is believed to have joined for a fee that could reach ÂŁ50 million as Michael Carrick rebuilds his side.
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United are in need of fresh midfield recruits following the departure of Casemiro at the end of his contract and the long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte, who suffered a knee problem while on international duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Uruguay.
Reports in Italy have also suggested that Mason Mount could be allowed to leave to reunite with former United head coach Ruben Amorim, who is now at AC Milan.
The club confirmed the Santos deal, which runs until 2031 with the option of a further 12 months, in an announcement on their official website on Monday.
Santos said: "Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.
"As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.
"Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies."
Santos becomes the first signing of the summer for United, who are intent on strengthening their squad after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in three years.
The club are also reportedly close to signing midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
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United have also been linked with a move for goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his contract expired at Leeds United, with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana expected to leave this summer, either on loan or permanently.
Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Vasco de Gama, before returning to the Brazilian club on loan. He also had loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. In total, he played 47 times for Chelsea.
United director of football Jason Wilcox said: "Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
"He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.
"Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United."
According to United's official site, Santos "registered the highest pass-completion rate and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes of midfielders under the age of 22 in the Premier League" last season.
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