Manchester United face an uphill task in signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
Manchester United are making extensive plans for the January transfer window to strengthen their engine room. The recruitment team is focusing on young, quality players who possess high potential and are also ready to feature in the first team without any fuss. United have looked at some of the young Premier League talents, and one name on the list is a Chelsea midfielder.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have depended on young players to strengthen the side and build their team for long-term success. The Blues did manage to win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA World Cup last season with that success. One of the brightest talents playing at Stamford Bridge is the young 21-year-old central midfielder, Andrey Santos.
The Brazilian has a wealth of talent and has shown composure and maturity, which is not so common at his age. He had an efficient loan spell at Strasbourg and then returned to Chelsea to continue developing in the Premier League.
However, the midfielder has started just four out of the 11 appearances so far in all competitions this season, which has sparked rumours about his future at the club. There have been reports floating that United have been interested in the Brazilian, and now journalist Pete O’Rourke has also seconded that, but has also revealed that the Blues are not ready to let the 21-year-old leave the club after also rejecting some previous offers. Maresca considers Santos an integral part of his long-term plans.
“I would be very surprised if Chelsea even considered letting Andrey Santos go, especially to a Premier League rival like Manchester United.
He’s a top young player and is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge.
I don’t see Chelsea listening to any offers for him anytime soon.
They turned down a big offer from Saudi Arabia last month and clearly see him as part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.”
Andrey Santos’ profile and fit
Manchester United face an uphill task in signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
Will Chelsea let Andrey Santos join Manchester United in the upcoming January transfer window?
Andrey Santos shows his main tactical strengths through his energy, defensive bite, and surprising goal-scoring touch for a box-to-box midfielder. He works tirelessly and tackles hard, often breaking up opposition attacks and winning duels in midfield.
In attack, he times his late runs into the box well and finishes calmly, a rare and valuable trait for his position. Santos also progresses the ball effectively, either driving forward with power or playing sharp passes that break lines and start attacks.
However, he lacks some physical strength and can lose balance against stronger players. At times, the 21-year-old’s decision-making under pressure causes risky turnovers and poor awareness of nearby opponents. Under Ruben Amorim, Santos could excel in a 3-4-3 setup, pairing his work rate and tackling with a deeper midfielder like Casemiro. He would add defensive balance and make late runs to connect with the forwards.
As Chelsea are not ready to sanction his departure, there are some other alternatives in front of United. Carlos Balebafrom Brighton stands out as a dynamic midfielder who wins the ball and carries it forward with purpose, showing a similar profile to Santos.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace displays intelligence and composure and fits United’s long-term strategy. Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP displays strong defensive positioning and progressive passing, while Conor Gallagher, now with Atlético Madrid, brings tireless energy and a box-to-box presence that already caught United’s attention.
Opinion: United’s midfield Puzzle
United need a midfielder who has the intensity with maturity. Santos fits that profile in theory, but still lacks the physicality and consistency required for the Premier League. Under Amorim, he might develop the discipline and composure to handle pressure better, yet he would need time to adjust to English football.
Baleba looks the most complete and ready option for United right now, offering balance between aggression and control. Wharton represents a smart long-term investment, showing intelligence and calmness beyond his age.
Hjulmand brings experience and tactical awareness, while Gallagher provides immediate energy and pressing. United must find a player who not only covers ground and wins duels but also dictates the tempo, something their current midfield often fails to do. Who do you feel will be the perfect option now, as Santos is basically ruled out?