Manchester United strike Ksh8.6B agreement for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
By Joel Masibo, July 9, 2026Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in a transfer worth £50 million (Ksh8.6 billion).
The package includes a guaranteed £48 million (Ksh8.28 billion), with an additional £2 million (Ksh345.2 million) tied to performance-related bonuses. Chelsea have also negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Santos is now expected to undergo a medical before completing his move to Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of preseason.
The 22-year-old faced increased competition for a regular starting place at Chelsea, particularly after the club failed to qualify for European football. His chances of cementing a long-term role were further reduced when Moises Caicedo committed his future to the Blues by signing a contract extension until 2033 earlier this year.
Santos joins Chelsea
Chelsea signed Santos from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in January 2023. Since then, he has spent loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg before establishing himself in the first team.
Last season, the Brazil international made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals while also providing four assists.
Manchester United are also nearing the signing of another Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, from Italian club Atalanta.
Reinforcing the midfield has become one of United’s main priorities during the current transfer window following Casemiro’s departure after his contract expired. The club has also had to deal with Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury, sustained while representing Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup.
More additions still on United’s agenda
Although central midfield has been the immediate focus, Manchester United continue to monitor West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as their preferred option for the left flank.
Initial discussions have already taken place between the two clubs, but United face competition from several Premier League rivals for the Dutch international’s signature.
A decision over Summerville’s future is expected in the coming weeks after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco.
United hope to finance the move through the sale of Marcus Rashford, who is due back at Old Trafford after completing his post-World Cup break. Depending on England’s progress in the tournament, his return may not come until later in August.
Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Summerville, and United are eager to avoid losing another transfer target to Spurs after midfielder Mateus Fernandes previously chose a switch to north London.
Despite speculation over his future, Rashford could still remain at the club as part of Carrick’s squad for the new season.
Meanwhile, United’s interest in Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall has been temporarily put on hold while the club focuses on strengthening midfield.