Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock summer swoop for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, according to Monday’s newspaper gossip. The 22-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a potential target after the Red Devils missed out on several top midfield options earlier in the window.
The Santos Story
Andrey Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Vasco da Gama in a deal worth around £18 million. He spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Nottingham Forest and then at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, but a permanent role at Stamford Bridge has proven elusive. Despite making over 30 appearances for the Blues in 2025–26, he has often been deployed as a squad player. Now Manchester United are believed to have made an initial approach to the player’s camp to gauge his interest in a move to Old Trafford.
The Sun reports that United have yet to open formal talks with Chelsea, but the club’s recruitment team has identified Santos as a viable alternative after being frustrated in pursuits of other targets. The story was highlighted in Sky Sports’ Paper Talk column.
United’s Midfield Hunt
United’s quest for midfield reinforcements has been well documented. They were heavily linked with João Neves before he opted for a move to Paris Saint‑Germain, and a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson has been complicated by United’s insistence on a double medical, according to separate reports. With uncertainty over the long‑term futures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, manager Ruben Amorim is keen to add energy and technical quality to his engine room.
Santos fits the profile of a young, dynamic midfielder who can operate as a No. 8 or in a deeper playmaking role. His ability to break lines with passes and his defensive work rate have drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s more mobile central players.
What Santos Would Bring
At 6’0”, Santos is physically ready for English football. He averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes during his loan spell at Strasbourg, while also chipping in with five goals and four assists. A Brazil U‑23 international, he has been tipped as a future senior squad member. However, with Chelsea’s bloated squad, he may find regular first‑team football hard to come by, especially after the arrivals of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in recent windows.
The risk for United is that he remains relatively unproven at the highest level. A move would likely cost in the region of £30–35 million, a figure that could be offset by potential departures from Old Trafford.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United have made an approach to Andrey Santos’s representatives over a possible transfer.
- The Reds see Santos as an alternative after missing out on João Neves and facing hurdles in the Ederson deal.
- Santos could be available for around £30m, but Chelsea’s willingness to sell to a direct rival remains unclear.
- United’s midfield rebuild under Ruben Amorim is prioritising athleticism and technical security.
- The report stems from The Sun, with formal negotiations yet to commence.
Quick Facts
Andrey Santos
Age: 22
Position: Central midfield
Chelsea appearances (2025–26): 31
Goals/Assists (2025–26): 4/3
Notable loans: Strasbourg (Ligue 1), Nottingham Forest
Source: Sky Sports Paper Talk
