Andrey Santos officially signs for Manchester United

Manchester United have made midfield one of their biggest priorities throughout the summer transfer window as Michael Carrick prepares for a season back in the UEFA Champions League.

After missing out on several high-profile targets, the club remained patient while continuing to work on strengthening one of the most important areas of the squad.

Supporters have been waiting for a breakthrough, and that moment has now arrived.

Manchester United announce signing of Andrey Santos

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos on a contract until June 2031, handing Carrick another major reinforcement ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, as the club announced on their X account.

The Brazilian arrives at Old Trafford after a couple weeks of negotiations between the two Premier League clubs, becoming one of United’s marquee additions of the summer.

Andrey Santos enjoyed an impressive campaign with Chelsea last season, making 43 appearances across all competitions and scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists.

He also featured 27 times in the Premier League as he continued to establish himself in English football.

The Brazilian said, “To be honest, since when I was young, I dreamed of this moment.”

Andrey Santos continued, “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.”

Jason Wilcox, director of football, said, “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.”

Midfield has been a key focus for United following Casemiro’s departure, while Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury suffered during the World Cup further increased the need for reinforcements.

The club missed out on Elliot Anderson after the England international joined Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes also slipped through their grasp after completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

United are also monitoring Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Fulham’s Sander Berge and Tyler Adams as they assessed the market for the right addition.

Having originally arrived at Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023, Santos developed into one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders thanks to his composure on the ball, defensive intelligence and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.

Manchester United believe that versatility makes him an ideal fit for Carrick’s system as the club prepares to compete across domestic competitions and the Champions League.

His arrival also continues United’s recent transfer strategy of targeting players with proven Premier League experience while still possessing enormous long-term potential.