Man Utd set for a surprise move for Chelsea star after Mateus Fernandes heads to Spurs
Manchester United are planning a surprise move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos after missing out on signing Mateus Fernandes, according to reports. Strengthening midfield is a big priority for United this summer, especially after Casemiro left on a free and Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup.
Last season, United were already short in midfield, so they quickly agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta to bring in Brazil’s Ederson. The 25-year-old was a late addition to his country’s World Cup squad, so the signing is expected to be finalized and announced later this July.
United were also interested in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, but Spurs had a bid of £85 million accepted for the Portugal international. The Manchester Evening News says United weren’t willing to match Spurs’ price, so they had to give up on that deal. The club is still hopeful they can sign other midfielders and was unsure about Fernandes’ preferred club early on.
Now, it seems United’s search has led them to Stamford Bridge, where The Guardian reports they are eyeing Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. Santos spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, working under Liam Rosenior, who will be Chelsea’s new boss. He played 43 games last season for Chelsea and was part of their Club World Cup-winning team under Enzo Maresca.
The 22-year-old Brazilian wasn’t picked for the World Cup but has six senior caps since 2023. The Guardian adds that Santos is open to leaving Chelsea because he expects limited game time behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea tried to sign Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, who’s staying put, showing they want to boost their midfield too. This might mean Santos could be let go.
Chelsea wants around £50 million for Santos, who joined from Vasco da Gama in 2023. A defensive midfielder who also scores goals, he netted 12 times in 45 games during his loan at Strasbourg. If United moves forward with this, Santos would be Chelsea’s second senior player to leave this summer after Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid for £47.5 million in July. Chelsea quickly replaced Cucurella by signing Atalanta’s Marco Pelestra for about £47 million.