Manchester United agree £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos

Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. The agreement, which was reached rapidly following initial inquiries over the weekend, includes an upfront fee of £48m with £2m in achievable add-ons. Chelsea have also secured a 10% sell-on clause as part of the transaction.

The player has been cleared to undergo a medical as the final stage of the move. This acquisition comes at a crucial time for Michael Carrick’s squad as they prepare for pre-season training.

United had made central midfield their primary transfer objective following the departure of Casemiro and a long-term cruciate knee ligament injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte. After failed attempts to sign Elliot Anderson and missing out on Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham, the club faced a shortage of senior options.

With Kobbie Mainoo still away on international duty, Mason Mount was previously the only recognized senior midfielder available for the upcoming pre-season campaign, starting in Helsinki on 18 July. The addition of Santos provides immediate cover and depth for the squad.