The big maneuvers have finally begun at Manchester United. At the end of an eventful 2025/2026 season which saw the Mancunian club finish in 3rd place in the Premier League and thus validate their return to the Champions League, the Red Devils are now going on the attack on this transfer market to best prepare for their return to the queen of European competitions. To do this, Manchester United announced the arrival of its first recruit of the summer, in the person of Andrey Santos, from Chelsea.
“ Manchester United are pleased to confirm that Andrey Santos has joined the club, subject to his registration », Communicated the Mancunian club. “ Everything about Manchester United is exceptional; it’s an incredible feeling to join a club where some of my biggest idols played. As a midfielder, I’m really excited to have the opportunity to learn alongside Michael Carrick, the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and give my all to achieve my dreams. Everyone spoke to me about the ambition of this club and the exceptional environment that reigns there. I know how strong the squad is and I can’t wait to fight alongside my teammates to win the biggest trophies “, indicated the former Strasbourg player.
A recruit at €58 million
Author of three goals and four assists in 43 games last season with the Blues, the Brazilian international (6 caps) was never really seen as an indisputable starter with Enzo Maresca, then Liam Rosenior. The Brazilian had to face the indestructible duo Enzo Fernández-Moises Caicedo, when both were available and at 100%, making his future at Chelsea unclear.
His recruitment by Manchester United also responds to one of the Red Devils’ main priorities, namely recruiting in the midfield after the departure of Casemiro. With the Brazilian international at the end of his contract on June 30, Manchester United had several names in mind to replace the 34-year-old midfielder, including Aurélien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes and Ederson. If the Real Madrid player does not seem ready to leave and the English midfielder and the ex-West Ham player have respectively chosen to go to Man City and Tottenham, the arrival of Ederson seemed to be set up before finally collapsing. Andrey Santos has arrived for €58 million and his arrival could be accompanied by Youri Tielemans, expected soon at Old Trafford.
