Despite possessing a blend of impressive technical ability and defensive know-how, Andrey Santos is a name that many have yet to truly embrace across the Premier League.
Having become a familiar face in Rio de Janeiro after making his senior debut at just 16, the former Vasco da Gama prospect quickly rose to national prominence with a series of standout displays.
Inevitably, it wasn’t long before European attention surfaced, with Chelsea beating off Spanish interest to secure his signature in January 2023.
But the byproduct of a remarkable series of signings at Stamford Bridge has seen the 22-year-old fight tooth and nail for regular playing time after an impressive 18-month loan period at Strasbourg.
Now, as the Blues attempt to manage the expectations of a demanding dressing room, Manchester United have sensed an opportunity and begun exploratory conversations ahead of a potential summer move.
It’s crucial to note that recent revelations are not a knee-jerk reaction to the failed pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, far from it, actually.
United’s data department has been working toward fine-tuned recruitment for months and met with Bertolucci Sports (Santos’ agency) earlier in the year to sound out potential interest.
Additionally, conversations took place during the final stages of Alejandro Garnacho’s deal in summer 2025, but Chelsea were then unwilling to part with the midfielder.
The Reds have developed a good working relationship with the Brazilian agency and maintain positive communication following the pursuit and purchase of star client Matheus Cunha.
Although supporters have moved beyond concern about a lack of transfer activity in the North West, and rightly so, internal shortlists have been compiled for some time to deal with any such setbacks.
A failure to complete a deal for Fernandes stung, and the ramifications have been felt throughout the fanbase and within the recruitment department.
However, as we revealed on Friday, Santos is one of several considered to be in a comparable mould and has many admirers at Carrington.
Per David Ornstein’s Sunday report, Chelsea still retain a high opinion of their talent. Still, the Londoners would not block any potential move if a deal suited all parties, given his desire to mature elsewhere.
Despite struggling to solidify a regular starting berth alongside the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, Santos made 43 appearances in 2410 minutes across all competitions last season.
The youngster earned this following a memorable time in Ligue 1, where a combination of high-intensity pressing, combative duels and progressive distribution was a regular sight.
For all of the grace and brilliance of Caicedo and Enzo within a strange Chelsea team, Santos was in the top Premier League percentile for duels won and forward passing percentage last term.
Furthermore, the Brazilian ranked in the 88th percentile for progressive distribution and the 78th percentile for possessions won, building upon his imperious metrics in France.
Given the similarities with Mateus Fernandes, it’s straightforward to see how data has played a pivotal role here, particularly when assessing his suitability in complementing Kobbie Mainoo.
Any potential move for Santos would further bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield options, given United have also agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Italian side Atalanta.
That said, a growing sense of social frustration may scoff at the prospect of moving for a player who has yet to secure a regular place in a weekly starting XI.
Nonetheless, subject to a medical, Ederson will arrive for an initial £35 million, and the Reds could add another dynamic South American talent for a fee not too dissimilar.
At a time when mass squad configuration is required, particularly with Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s uncertain future, this 22-year-old Brazil international could prove to be a very shrewd decision.
Let us know your thoughts about Andrey Santos in the comments or across our social channels–photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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