Manchester United are said to have struck a deal to snatch a Chelsea talent, and their midfield business may not be over yet. The Red Devils have been searching for a replacement for Casemiro, who left the club this summer, and Michael Carrick wants that second midfielder to add to the agreement to sign Ederson. Ederson was effectively snapped up early in the summer, but the deal hasn't quite gone through due to United requesting a second medical.
Carrick has been looking for a holding or a hybrid midfielder , and the latter seems to be his preference given United chased - and ultimately failed to land - West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. And the Red Devils may have now found their man.
Man Utd agree Andrey Santos deal
According to David Ornstein , United have now agreed a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. He posted on X: "EXCL: Manchester United reach agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos. Deal for 22yo #CFC midfielder worth £48m + £2m easily achievable add-ons & 10% sell-on clause. Permission given to undergo #MUFC medical; personal terms in place"
The report adds that United have won the race despite interest from 'multiple suitors' this summer. Chelsea are said to value Santos, but the Brazilian wants to be a more regular starter, and he is more likely to find them at United.
Santos is of a similar profile to Fernandes in that he can play as a number 6 or a number 8, and even as a combination of the both. He can do the defensive work and carry the ball into attacking areas, and he is every bit the modern hybrid midfielder.
Santos an 'excellent' and versatile midfielder
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Santo's versatility early last season, when he said after one win: "Andrey was excellent. His position is the position he played today. With us most of the time he has been playing a little bit higher, in the pocket. In that [deeper] position we have Moi, so we try to find solutions for Andrey. We are aware his position is the one he played today."
While United may now be on their way to signing two midfielders, The Athletic report suggests the Red Devils will sign a third, who is likely to be a more experienced figure, given they are on track to sign two younger players. Casemiro's presence and experience has been vital for United over the last couple of years, in particular, and it needs to be properly replaced ahead of a Champions League campaign.
Man Utd are in the market for midfielders.
Transfer News & Rumours
Transfer News & Rumours