Man Utd confirm £50m Andrey Santos signing as Ederson deal collapses

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos in a deal worth £50million, wrapping up a piece of transfer business that had been agreed in principle last week. The move comes as United’s pursuit of goalkeeper Ederson has collapsed, with the club instead turning their attention to completing a separate deal for Youri Tielemans.

Santos, 22, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Old Trafford after passing a medical in Manchester last week. The Brazilian made 43 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season but was left out of Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, meaning he is free to link up with Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of pre-season training.

Speaking after the move was finalised, Santos told United’s club website: “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.”

He added: “Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”

Ederson deal falls through

United’s reported £39million move for goalkeeper Ederson has broken down, dealing a blow to Carrick’s efforts to overhaul his squad this summer. The collapse of that deal has coincided with United accelerating talks to bring in Youri Tielemans, with a fee in the region of £35million being discussed to bolster the midfield further.

The Santos deal represents the latest step in a busy window for Carrick, who has been keen to strengthen his options in midfield following departures from the squad. Santos becomes United’s most significant midfield addition of the summer so far, and the club will hope his arrival, alongside a prospective Tielemans deal, gives the squad greater depth and competition for places heading into the new season.

What Santos brings to Carrick’s midfield

Santos arrives with a reputation as an energetic, versatile midfielder capable of playing both a defensive and more progressive role, having established himself as a regular under Chelsea’s coaching staff last season. His omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer means he has had an uninterrupted rest, and United will expect him to be fully up to speed for the start of pre-season.

With the transfer window still open for several more weeks, United fans will be watching closely to see whether the Tielemans deal is finalised and whether further incomings or outgoings follow as Carrick continues to reshape his squad.

Read more: Man Utd closing in on £36m deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans

Sources

• dailymail.com
• Sky Sports
• The Mirror

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.