Man Utd's Midfield Overhaul
Man Utd Eyes Andrey Santos and Ederson for Ambitious Midfield Rebuild
Key Points
Santos has previously spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, and although Chelsea value him around £50m, he is seeking regular first‑team football to advance his development.
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson for about €40.5m with a further €4.5m in add-ons, a deal that is subject to medical clearance.
Elliot Anderson is headed to Manchester City for around £116m and Mateus Fernandes has joined Tottenham for roughly £85m, moves that helped push United to rethink theirsummer midfield strategy.
Newcastle United have been monitoring Santos as a potential option, with broader market chatter noting Tonali’s imminent move to Tottenham as part of a shifting midfield landscape.
Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein. The Brazilian, 22, is valued at around £50 million by Chelsea — a price United are unlikely to pay. Talks are said to be in early stages, driven through Santos's agents.
The interest comes as United scramble to rebuild their midfield. Casemiro has left, Manuel Ugarte is out injured, and two top targets — Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes — have already joined rival clubs.
United Miss Out on Two Key Midfield Targets
United's summer midfield plans hit a wall fast. Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City for around £116 million. Mateus Fernandes went to Tottenham for roughly £85 million. Both moves happened quickly and forced United to look elsewhere, according to Head Topics.
Those losses pushed United toward Santos as a backup option. He is younger and cheaper — at least in theory. But Chelsea's £50 million asking price is still a steep number for a player who has yet to nail down a regular starting spot.
Santos Seeks Regular Football After Two Loan Spells
Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for £18 million in January 2023. Since then, he has been sent out on loan twice — first to Nottingham Forest, then to Strasbourg. He has not yet established himself in Chelsea's first team, according to The Sun.
At 22, Santos can play as a No. 6 or No. 8, giving him versatility in the middle of the park. That flexibility appeals to United. He wants regular first-team football, and a move away from Chelsea could be the only way to get it.
Ederson Deal Agreed, Other Targets Still in Play
United are not putting all their eggs in one basket. The club has reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta for around £39 million, or €40.5 million, plus up to €4.5 million in add-ons. That deal is still subject to a medical, according to Head Topics.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott is also on United's radar. Other names in circulation include Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton. The breadth of targets shows United are casting a wide net as they try to shore up a thinned-out midfield, The Athletic confirmed.
Newcastle Also Circle Santos as Midfield Market Shifts
United are not alone in watching Santos. Newcastle United have also been monitoring him as a potential signing, according to Daily Mail. The wider midfield market is moving fast. Sandro Tonali is reportedly set to join Tottenham, adding more pressure on clubs to act quickly.
Chelsea hold the power here. They can cash in at £50 million or keep a young asset. If they drop their price, United could move fast. If not, Santos may stay put — and United will look elsewhere.
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