United News | Deal agreed with Chelsea for Santos

First signing of the summer almost done

We have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Brazilian talent Andrey Santos.

Author | Liam C

The transfer has gathered momentum over the past few hours after United stepped up their interest over the weekend, with the club now closing in on what looks like an important piece of business.

We will pay an initial £48m, with a further £2m in achievable add-ons, while Chelsea have also secured a 10% sell-on clause.

Santos has now been given permission to undergo a medical. Fellow Brazilian Ederson is also due for one before completing his £35m move from Italian side Atalanta after Brazil's World Cup exit.

The potential double signing could hardly come at a better time

With the senior squad returning for pre-season on Thursday, United desperately needed reinforcements in the middle of the park after what had become an increasingly worrying situation.

Replacing Casemiro was always one of the club's biggest priorities following the end of the veteran's contract, and things became even more complicated when Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious cruciate knee ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period.

United explored several alternatives. A move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson quickly became unrealistic once his price climbed beyond £110m, while West Ham's Mateus Fernandes ultimately chose Tottenham after they tabled a guaranteed £85m offer.

With Kobbie Mainoo still away at the World Cup with England, there was a real possibility that Mason Mount would have been the only recognised senior central midfielder available for Michael Carrick when United begin their pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.

Instead, the club have acted decisively. If Santos settles quickly, this could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business of the summer and gives United supporters real reason for optimism ahead of the new season.

The perspective from Stamford Bridge

Rotten club. Absolutely rotten. https://t.co/4zhXgz3WMb

— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberChelseaFC_) July 8, 2026

Santos is set to become Chelsea's third major departure of the summer following the exits of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and Tyrique George to Everton.

Many Chelsea fans seem to be upset that Santos is leaving which is potentially reassuring for many United fans.