Chelsea confirm £50m transfer exit as Xabi Alonso rebuild takes shape

Andrey Santos has left Chelsea to join Premier League rivals Manchester United

Andrey Santos has left Chelsea to join Manchester United in a £50million deal.

United struck an agreement to bring Santos in from Chelsea last week as they step up their efforts to reinforce their midfield during the summer transfer window, with a move for Youri Tielemans also expected to be finalised shortly.

Santos has signed a long-term deal to become a United player, with the transfer officially confirmed after the Brazilian completed a medical in Manchester last week.

In a statement, Chelsea said: Andrey Santos has completed a permanent transfer to Manchester United. The midfielder arrived at Chelsea in 2023, signing from Vasco Da Gama in his homeland Brazil and went on to develop into a full Brazil international during his three-year stay with the club.

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"Part of that included an 18-month loan spell with RC Strasbourg, where he helped the club qualify for the UEFA Conference League and was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month in March 2024.

"Santos returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2025, becoming part of the squad that won the FIFA Club World Cup, and he leaves Stamford Bridge having made a total of 47 appearances for the Blues.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Andrey for his efforts during his time at the club and we wish him well for the next stage of his career."

The 22-year-old missed out on a place in Brazil's World Cup squad this summer and is expected to join up with Michael Carrick's team ahead of pre-season training.

Having made 43 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season, Santos will be determined to play a pivotal role in driving United towards another successful campaign.

It is understood he was keen on the move with no guarantee of first-team football under new Blues coach Xabi Alonso.

United have been eager to bolster their midfield ranks this summer following the exit of Casemiro, who departed the club at the end of last month upon the expiry of his Old Trafford contract.

The situation has been further complicated by Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup, leaving United without at least two midfielders who were available to them last season. Speculation also persists over whether United will be able to complete a deal for Ederson from Atalanta.

The Red Devils had already reached an agreement on a £38.8million package to sign the Brazil international earlier this summer. However, reports surfaced suggesting that a move to bring Ederson to Old Trafford had collapsed.

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