The Brazilian midfielder has become Michael Carrick’s first Manchester United signing after completing a move from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Manchester United have completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million, making the Brazil international the first arrival of Michael Carrick’s tenure.
The 22-year-old joins for an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million included in potential add-ons. Chelsea have also retained a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Santos arrives at Old Trafford as United set about reshaping their midfield for Carrick’s first full season at the helm.
The Brazilian has already spoken about the responsibility that comes with representing the club and made clear that he wants to establish his own place in Manchester United’s history.
United have brought in a midfielder recognised for his energy, ball-winning ability and drive to carry play forward. Santos himself has highlighted those qualities as central to what he hopes to offer Carrick’s side, making clear his ambition to compete for trophies.
For Carrick, the move offers a chance to work with a player who has already spoken about wanting to learn from the former United midfielder. Santos believes Carrick’s experience in the role can help him take the next step in his career.
His arrival comes as United continue their broader efforts to rebuild the midfield.
A proposed move for Atalanta’s Ederson is understood to have collapsed after issues during his medical. United are also reported to have agreed terms with Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Santos is not seen as a direct replacement for Ederson. United are expected to keep searching for another midfielder, with the Brazilian viewed as just one part of a wider plan to reshape Carrick’s options in the centre of the pitch.
United have acted early to secure a young midfielder with Premier League experience and plenty of room to develop. Santos arrives with immediate expectations, given both the size of the fee and the stature of the club.
His early comments suggest he is ready to embrace that pressure, rather than shy away from it.
Carrick now has the first new piece of his midfield rebuild, with Santos set to join his new teammates in training this week. More arrivals are expected as United look to build a midfield that can deliver on their manager’s plans and compete at the top end of the Premier League.
