Pivoting from missed targets, the Red Devils intensify talks for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos as the Brazilian sensation seeks a prominent role away from Stamford Bridge’s crowded midfield.
After all but signing Éderson, Manchester United have faced tough battles for almost every major midfield target this summer.
Elliot Anderson and Matues Fernandes were reportedly the top two targets for the club. But they were priced out of moves as they moved to Manchester City and Spurs for £130 million and £85 million, respectively.
While the club were not majorly in the running for Sandro Tonali, he was still a target for the club. However, he too moved to Spurs for £100 million, which has led to these three deals being the benchmark for prices other clubs set.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is the superstar option that the club have been dreaming of, but faces major hurdles in terms of wage, transfer fee and whether the player wants to leave Real Madrid.
In recent times, the club have seemed to create a new shortlist and seems to be making a move on a Premier League talent.
Santos is on his way to Old Trafford
Andrey Santos was a surprise link when the Guardian reported that the club were targeting the Chelsea midfielder as they pivot away from other targets.
However, the deal has progressed rapidly in recent times from United exploring a deal to now David Ornstein reporting that United have agreed a total £50 million deal for Santos.
The transfer includes £48 million guaranteed with £2 million in easily achievable add-ons with Chelsea also having a 10% sell-on clause for any future move.
The Brazilian has been handed permission to undergo a medical at with United. That means both him and Éderson are just one step away from official moves.
Where does Santos fit in
Santos is undoubtedly a highly rated young midfielder who, in the right team, could explode next season. While at Strasbourg from 2023 - 2025 on loan, he excelled in France with 14 goals and assists alone in the 24/25 season.
Operating more as a box-to-box talent, he is widely seen as the heir to Casemiro for Brazil going forward, showing his potential defensively. Enzo Maresca also suggested his best position was as a six, where he primarily operated for Chelsea. His leadership is an underrated quality, as he was captain for Strasbourg of Strasbourg's relatively young side.
His versatility of being able to operate as either a six, eight or ten adds to the appeal, with him being able to fill in for Fernandes if needed. His potential also adds to the excitement.
Despite this, Santos only made 13 starts across all of his 27 appearances last season as he struggled to break into a midfield consisting of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Given that a similar fee was paid for Mason Mount by Manchester and around £40 million for Alejandro Garnacho by Chelsea, it is hard to see why Santo is rated at £50 million when he is not a regular player for his club.
With the way the market is going this summer and how desperate the situation is becoming for United, it will not be surprising to see the club pay the fee to ensure they have another midfielder to accompany Kobbie Mainoo.
