Benjamin Šeško’s Manchester United campaign just got a boost from an unexpected source: the club has signed 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, the clubs confirmed on Wednesday.
The move marks Manchester United’s first summer signing as they rebuild under new manager Erik ten Hag, who has made central midfield a priority following the departures of Casemiro and the long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte—the Uruguayan suffered a knee ligament tear during Spain’s World Cup win over Uruguay on 21 December 2025.
What happened?
Manchester United will pay Chelsea nearly €60 million for Santos, including performance-related bonuses, according to British media reports. Santos, a Brazil international, has signed a contract running until June 2031 with an option for an extra year.
Chelsea, meanwhile, recoup a player they signed from Vasco da Gama for £16 million in 2023. Santos spent most of his Chelsea career out on loan—first to Nottingham Forest in 2023/24, then to Strasbourg in France for a second spell last season—before returning to London only to lose his place to Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo.
Why it matters for Benjamin Šeško
Šeško, 23, now has a direct link to a high-profile midfielder who could slot into the engine room alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen. United’s midfield has been a weak spot since Casemiro’s exit, and Santos arrives with Champions League experience and Brazil caps under his belt.
Ten Hag’s side also remains locked in talks with Aston Villa over Youri Tielemans, another midfield target. The Belgian, 27, would add creativity and leadership if the deal goes through.
What comes next?
Manchester United’s summer window stays open. The club is still chasing Elliot Anderson, who left Nottingham Forest for Manchester City earlier this month, and Mateus Fernandes, who swapped Southampton for Tottenham.
Santos will now compete with Mainoo, Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Tielemans for minutes. His first competitive outing could come as early as 10 August, when United host Fulham in their Premier League curtain-raiser.
The Brazilian arrives at Old Trafford with something to prove after a frustrating final season at Chelsea, where he managed just 47 appearances in two and a half years. Now, under ten Hag, he has a fresh chance to stake his claim in a United shirt.