Manchester United have secured an agreement for their second midfield acquisition of the summer window.

United’s football director, Jason Wilcox, spent over a month negotiating with West Ham United in an effort to reduce their asking price for Mateus Fernandes. However, the Hammers remained firm on their valuation and ultimately transferred the Portuguese midfielder to Tottenham Hotspur.

Following their unsuccessful pursuit of Fernandes, United turned their attention to Chelsea in a bid to sign one of their promising midfielders. Unlike their previous negotiations, this time they have successfully concluded a major deal in quick time.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester United have reached a full agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos.

The deal will see United pay £48 million, with an additional £2 million in easily attainable performance-related bonuses. Chelsea will also keep a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the energetic Brazilian midfielder.

The 22-year-old has already agreed on personal terms with Manchester United and has been granted permission by Chelsea to travel and complete the formalities of the transfer.

Santos is set to follow his fellow Brazilian, Ederson, to Old Trafford, with INEOS having also finalised terms with Atalanta for the latter’s move.

Chelsea had signed Santos from Vasco da Gama in 2023 for a fee of approximately £18 million. Known for his box-to-box capabilities, the midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell with French club RC Strasbourg during the 2024–25 season.

Although Chelsea hold Santos in high regard, the player is eager for consistent first-team football — something that appears unlikely at Stamford Bridge, especially after Moises Caicedo extended his long-term contract with the Blues.

During the previous campaign, Santos made 43 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, contributing three goals and four assists.

Manchester United’s recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, is well acquainted with Santos’ talents, having overseen his signing during his own tenure at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea first brought the Brazilian to England.