Manchester United have signed midfielder, Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m.
Santos’ move came as he searches for regular game time after he started just 25 of 43 appearances in all competitions last season, during which he netted just three goals.
Chelsea consequently accepted a £50m bid from Utd for the 22 year-old Brazilian, which comprised of a £48m fixed fee plus £2m in add-ons, with Santos having signed a five-year contract with Man Utd until June 2031 with an one-year extension option.
Speaking to manutd.com following confirmation of his transfer, Santos spoke of the iconic nature of the club and chance to learn from manager, Michael Carrick.
“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.”
Utd Director of Football, Jason Wilcox added: “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.”
Santos began his career at Brazil’s Vasco da Gama where he broke through into the first-team and managed eight goals in 39 appearances across his first two seasons plus 2021 Taco Rio title, which led Chelsea to sign him in January 2023 only to loan him back two months later.
During his loan stint at his childhood club, he scored once in 11 appearances before he spent 2023-24 season initially on loan at Nottingham Forest but managed just two appearances, which led to a mid-season recall and loan to Strasbourg in France.
Santos managed one goal in 11 appearances for Strasbourg in the second half of that season, before he enjoyed a more comfortable loan spell the next season with 11 goals in 34 appearances.
He then went on to play a part in Chelsea’ FIFA Club World Cup title success last summer following his return from Strasbourg, with four appearances which saw him cement a spot in their squad last season as the Blues went on to finish runner-up in the FA Cup.