Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. Any potential deal is at an early stage, with the clubs not yet in talks, and enquiries from multiple suitors so far going via the 22-year-old’s agents. Santos is keen to establish a regular starting place, which is currently unlikely to happen for Chelsea, especially after Moises Caicedo committed his future to Stamford Bridge in April by agreeing a new contract through to 2033.
Andrey Santos’s Position at Chelsea
Chelsea value the Brazil international highly. He is capable of playing as both a No. 6 and 8, showing his quality during an 18-month loan spell at Strasbourg. Santos also demonstrated his quality after breaking into the west London side’s first team last season.
He joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in January 2023. Santos made 43 appearances across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign, providing three goals and four assists. Chelsea would not block a move for the midfielder if it suited all parties, and The Athletic reported on June 30 that Santos was one of the players they would consider selling this summer.
United’s Midfield Reinforcement Drive
United’s priority during the summer window has been to strengthen in midfield. This comes after Casemiro departed the club at the end of the 2025-26 campaign following the conclusion of his contract. Further compounding their needs, Manuel Ugarte subsequently suffered knee ligament damage during Uruguay’s World Cup group stage defeat to Spain and is set for an extended period out.
The Old Trafford club had been interested in England international Elliot Anderson, who instead joined Manchester City for a fee of £116million. United also pushed for a move for Mateus Fernandes, before Tottenham Hotspur met West Ham United’s £85million valuation. Recently, United agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign midfielder Ederson, subject to a medical, for an initial €40.5million fixed fee plus €4.5m.
Why Santos Fits the Bill for United
Santos has been on United’s radar for some time, though whether a transfer develops will largely depend on the asking price. Analysis by Mark Critchley, The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent, suggests Santos fits the bill as an alternative.
Critchley noted that after missing out on Fernandes, following their reluctance to pay a fixed £85m fee, it is understandable that United would look to another young, talented midfielder. He added that Santos has Premier League experience and bears some similarities to Fernandes in playing style.
Both players are adept progressive passers, capable of moving the ball from one end of the pitch through midfield. They are also more than capable of consistently winning their duels out of possession. With Chelsea open to letting the Brazil international leave, any deal for Santos would be unlikely to require the level of financial commitment that West Ham were demanding for Fernandes.
At 22, the midfielder has room to develop, and interest from Old Trafford is nothing new. United’s recruitment department ran the rule over Santos last summer, indicating long-standing attention.
Despite the potential addition of Santos, United would still lack experience in the middle of the park.