Man Utd Pursues Chelsea Midfielder Andrey Santos with Starting Role Condition

Manchester United is reportedly preparing to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos during the upcoming summer transfer window, provided he is guaranteed a starting role under interim manager Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have already secured an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson Silva, but their co-owners, INEOS, are seeking to add another midfielder to the squad.

Recent reports indicate that Manchester United is exploring a potential transfer deal for Santos, the 22-year-old Brazilian international who has been with Chelsea since 2023 but has spent most of his time on loan at Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg.

Manchester United's Engagement with Santos' Representatives

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United has maintained ongoing contact with Andrey Santos’ agents. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Santos has been on Manchester United’s list of midfield targets for some time.

Romano detailed: “Manchester United have Andrey Santos on their list for the new midfielder. He is not a new name on their list. A few months ago, they were already considering him and he has always been on their shortlist.”

He added that in the past two to three days, Manchester United renewed contact with Santos’ agents to assess the situation, although no official bid or negotiation has yet been made with Chelsea.

Romano emphasized that Chelsea does not regard Santos as untouchable and would consider a sale if an attractive offer is presented. “If Manchester United arrive and put good money on the table, they can sign Andrey Santos because for Chelsea, he’s not untouchable,” he said.

He clarified that Chelsea would not entertain low offers or loan arrangements but acknowledged the possibility of Santos leaving the club in the summer if a suitable proposal emerges.

Romano also recounted that earlier in the year, Manchester United met twice with Santos’ agents, during discussions initially linked to Bruno Guimaraes, who shares the same agents as Santos. The possibility of signing Santos was raised during those talks, and Chelsea’s current management under Xabi Alonso does not consider him untouchable.

Player’s Willingness to Join Manchester United

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has corroborated Manchester United’s interest in Santos, noting that Newcastle United is also pursuing the midfielder. Jacobs reported that Santos is open to moving from Chelsea to either club, provided he secures a starting position.

On July 5, Jacobs tweeted that Manchester United has been considering Santos since last summer, but Chelsea was not willing to sell under former interim manager Liam Rosenior. However, Chelsea is now open to a sale if the price is right.

Jacobs further stated that discussions are ongoing on the player’s side, but Chelsea has yet to receive any formal approach regarding the transfer.

He added that Newcastle’s interest aligns with Manchester United’s, with Santos motivated by the prospect of consistent playing time. Manchester United’s initial inquiry coincided with Chelsea’s signing of Alejandro Garnacho, at which time Chelsea was not open to selling Santos, but a deal may now be feasible if all parties agree.