Manchester United target Chelsea's Andrey Santos after midfield injury crisis and failed pursuits
Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as they seek to address a midfield shortage caused by Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee injury.
Midfield crisis at Old Trafford
Manchester United entered the summer window with a stated priority to strengthen midfield after Casemiro's contract expired on 30 June. The situation worsened when Manuel Ugarte suffered what he called "the most serious injury a footballer can face" during Uruguay's World Cup group stage defeat to Spain. The 25-year-old sustained knee ligament damage that is expected to sideline him for the rest of 2026, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only fit senior central midfielder.
The most serious injury a footballer can face.
United's transfer plans were further disrupted when primary targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes moved elsewhere. Manchester City agreed a club-record £116m deal for Anderson on 25 June, while Tottenham paid £85m for Fernandes on 2 July.
- Manchester City agree £116m deal for Elliot Anderson
- Casemiro leaves Manchester United after contract expiry
- Manuel Ugarte suffers knee ligament injury on Uruguay duty
- Tottenham sign Mateus Fernandes for £85m
- United explore move for Andrey Santos, agree Ederson deal
Pursuit of Andrey Santos
With options narrowing, United have turned their attention to Chelsea's Andrey Santos. The 22-year-old Brazilian made 43 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Chelsea value him at around £50m, and while no formal talks have begun, enquiries have been made via his agents.
Santos is keen for regular first-team football, which appears unlikely at Stamford Bridge given Moises Caicedo's new contract through 2033 and Enzo Fernandez's expected stay. The player himself has expressed ambition.
I have always strived to be a complete player, capable of helping the team both defend and attack. I am ready for new challenges and I believe I can still grow much more.
Other midfield options
United have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for an initial €40.5m (£35m) plus €4.5m in add-ons, subject to a medical. The club is still looking for at least one more midfielder, having also considered Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni.
- Elliot Anderson
- 116 £m
- Mateus Fernandes
- 85 £m
- Ederson
- 35 £m
- Andrey Santos (valuation)
- 50 £m
Wider window activity
The summer market is active across Europe. Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a €220m offer for Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, while Tottenham are exploring a move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao. Arsenal and Liverpool remain interested in PSG's Bradley Barcola, and Newcastle have identified Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller as a midfield target. Multiple clubs, including Juventus and Brentford, are tracking Trabzonspor's Christ Inao Oulai.
