Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Andrey Santos on a five-year deal for a guaranteed fee of £48 million.
The Brazilian becomes the first midfield arrival of the summer, bolstering Michael Carrick’s engine room following Casemiro’s departure.
At 22, Santos retains ambitions of solidifying his status as a first-team regular, with sources indicating his confidence in exceeding early expectations in the North West.
Jason Wilcox and his sporting department have long admired the former Chelsea man, initially enquiring about his availability before finalising terms for Alejandro Garnacho’s transfer.
Although the Londoners were keen to keep hold of the youngster, Santos was eager to move on and believes Old Trafford is the optimum stage to harness his talents.
Having become a teen sensation after making his senior debut at just 16, the one-time Vasco da Gama starlet quickly earned national comparisons to many of Brazil’s legendary combative midfielders.
Inevitably, Chelsea pounced at the earliest possibility, beating off Spanish interest to secure his signature midway through his second campaign as a mainstay at Gigante da Colina.
A truly successful 18-month spell with Strasbourg followed, leading to his Premier League breakthrough last season, during which Santos made 43 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.
Carrick welcomes a player who many believe will inherit Casemiro’s throne for the national team, inspiring such plaudits with a combination of defensive assurity and typical South American flair.
Speaking following his official unveiling on Monday afternoon, the Rio native highlighted his ambitions and desires at M16.
“Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” Santos stated.
“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.
“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.”
United’s new-look sporting department has come under considerable scrutiny following failed pursuits for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes this summer.
Nonetheless, Wilcox was quick to underline the importance of this acquisition and the immediate benefits that the Brazilian can offer the 20-time English champions.
“Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch,” the director of football said.
“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.
“Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”
How do you feel about Andrey Santos as a Red? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo via manutd.com.
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