Manchester United have announced the signing of midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a fee reported to be in the region of £50million.
The Brazil international, who did not make the squad for this summer’s World Cup, struggled to hold down a regular place at Stamford Bridge and now has the chance to reignite his career at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old, who has signed a five-year contract with the option for a sixth, is expected to be the first of two players through the door this week with a move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans moving quickly.
United went for Tielemans after a deal for Atlanta’s Ederson broke down over a medical issue.
United is ‘special’, says Santos
Santos told United’s official website: “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.
“As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.
“Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”
Santos registered the highest pass-completion rate and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes of midfielders under the age of 22 in the Premier League last season and also has leadership experience, having captained Brazil at various youth levels.
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox explained the former Strasbourg man had all the qualities the club were looking for this summer.
Wilcox said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.
“Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”
Santos and Tielemans to replace Ugarte and Casemiro in United squad
News of United’s interest in Tielemans broke on Monday morning with Belgium now out of the World Cup.
They are believed to have triggered the player’s £35m release clause and, despite interest from elsewhere, Tielemans is thought to favour a move to Old Trafford.
Villa have no desire to lose the 29-year-old, whose current contract still has two years left to run, and offered him fresh terms earlier this year. However, the existence of the release clause means they have little power to prevent his departure.
United are eager to strengthen in midfield with Manuel Ugarte expected to miss most of next season due to an ACL tear sustained playing for Uruguay at the World Cup while Casemiro left the club in June following the expiration of his contract.
