Manchester United have made Andrey Santos a prime target as they look to revamp their midfield under Michael Carrick, but any deal will require a significant outlay, with Chelsea valuing the Brazilian in the region of £50 million. The 22-year-old has found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge, sitting behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order, and the Blues’ need to raise funds to support new head coach Xabi Alonso’s ambitious rebuild could open the door to a sale.
United’s pursuit of a dynamic central midfielder has seen them suffer setbacks already this summer, with moves for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes failing to materialise. That has forced Carrick’s recruitment team to consider alternatives, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also on their radar. However, the pull of a Brazil international with Premier League experience could prove decisive, even at a premium price.
Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation, but it is United who appear most advanced in their interest. Chelsea’s willingness to entertain offers stems from the financial reality of backing Alonso’s vision. Having already invested heavily in their midfield, offloading Santos – who joined from Vasco da Gama in 2023 before spending time on loan at Nottingham Forest – represents a logical piece of financial engineering.
Quick Facts
Player: Andrey Santos
Current Club: Chelsea
Valuation: £50 million
Position: Central Midfielder
Other Suitors: Newcastle United
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United have identified Chelsea's Andrey Santos as a key midfield target.
- Chelsea have set an asking price of £50 million for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
- United missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window.
- Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the situation.
- Santos is behind Caicedo and Fernandez in the Chelsea pecking order, making a move more likely.
Source: The Guardian
