Manchester United close in on Andrey Santos - Casmiro’s replacement
As reported by David Ornstein and confirmed to AS, Chelsea and Manchester United are finalizing the transfer of the Brazilian.
Manchester United isn’t taking a vacation this summer — not even for a minute. According to reporting from The Athletic and confirmed by AS, the club is finalizing a deal for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, a move aimed at reinforcing the heart of their midfield and preparing for life after Casemiro.
United will pay Chelsea about $60 million plus roughly $2 million in add‑ons, and the Blues will retain a 10% sell‑on clause. It’s a signing for the future, but also one they expect to pay off immediately.
A long‑time target finally arrives
Santos, currently on vacation, is set to sign a five‑year contract with an option for a sixth. United has tracked him since his early days at Vasco da Gama, even submitting an offer last summer after his breakout season at Strasbourg. At the time, Chelsea labeled him untouchable — but missing out on European competition and needing to balance Financial Fair Play changed the equation.
Capable of playing anywhere across the midfield but most comfortable as a dynamic No. 8, Santos will travel to Manchester in the coming hours for his medical and contract signing.
His arrival comes after United missed out on Elliot Anderson, who chose the blue half of Manchester instead. For manager Michael Carrick, Santos is viewed as the ideal medium‑term successor to Casemiro, who is set to join Inter Miami and link up with Lionel Messi after his United contract expires.
More signings on the way
Santos won’t be the only new face at Old Trafford this summer. With everything agreed, Éderson is expected to be the next arrival, with his medical scheduled for this week.
United’s shopping list remains long, with Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni also on the club’s radar:
- Left winger to strengthen the attack
- At least two more midfielders (possibly three, depending on Ugarte’s injury timeline)
- Center‑back reinforcement to stabilize the defense
It’s shaping up to be a long, busy summer at Old Trafford — and Santos is just the beginning.
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