Manchester United Revive Andrey Santos Interest

United Miss Out on Top Midfield Targets

Manchester United watched two rivals snatch their midfield wishes in just three days. Manchester City secured England midfielder Elliot Anderson for £116 million, while Tottenham Hotspur paid £85 million for Portuguese talent Mateus Fernandes and then added Italy’s Sandro Tonali for £100 million. Nottingham Forest’s steep demand for Anderson and Newcastle United’s similar stance on Tonali left United without their preferred signings, prompting a new look at alternatives.

The Red Devils had also been linked with French ace Aurélien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, but the club knows a move for the €100 million‑plus player is unlikely. INEOS United now turn to other names: Bournemouth’s creative midfielder Alex Scott and LOSC Lille’s promising youngster Ayyoud Bouaddi. All are being evaluated as United try to fill the midfield gap left by the departing Casemiro.

Why Andrey Santos Is Next on United’s Radar

Chelsea’s 22‑year‑old box‑to‑box midfielder Andrey Santos has climbed United’s list after a long‑standing interest resurfaced. The Brazilian is frustrated by limited game time at Stamford Bridge, where he is primarily a back‑up to Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. Santos possesses physical strength and technical skill that fit the Premier League’s demanding style.

The Guardian reports Chelsea value Santos at roughly £50 million, a figure United find attractive compared with the multimillion‑pound tags they faced earlier. The player is open to a summer move, and Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation. United’s good rapport with Chelsea, highlighted by past swaps for Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount, makes a negotiated deal more plausible.

What It Means for United and Chelsea

If United table an offer matching Chelsea’s £50 million valuation, the deal would likely be accepted by both the club and the player, given Santos’s willingness to leave. The transfer would represent a relative bargain for United, delivering midfield depth without the financial strain of the other targets. For Chelsea, the proceeds would help fund new head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans, which include a reported interest in Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.

Former Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior praised Santos’s maturity, noting he “plays like he’s 32” and boasts high scoring and duelling statistics. Such accolades suggest Santos could develop into a key player should he move to Old Trafford, adding the kind of creative engine United have lacked since Casemiro’s departure. A successful acquisition would also signal United’s ability to find value in a crowded market.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s pursuit of Andrey Santos reflects a strategic shift toward a more affordable yet talented midfielder as they rebuild their midfield core. The Brazilian’s skill set, combined with United’s existing bond with Chelsea, positions the deal as a pragmatic solution after losing out on premium options. If the £50 million fee is agreed, United could secure a player widely regarded as having “an outstanding career” ahead, potentially revitalising their midfield ambitions for the upcoming season.

Feature image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images