Andrey Santos completed his move from Chelsea to Manchester United on Monday.
Chelsea received £50m from their Premier League rivals for Santos, meaning that they were able to make a significant amount of profit after signing the midfielder for just £18m.
Compatriot Estevao Willian will be sad to see Santos go, but Chelsea will feel that it was an offer that was too good to turn down.
Andrey Santos and Estevao
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jason Wilcox suggests Manchester United will look to utilise Andrey Santos’ attacking qualities unlike Chelsea
It was a big fee, but United are certainly happy with their acquisition of Santos.
Director of football Jason Wilcox spoke very highly of the Brazilian upon his arrival, highlighting his effectiveness in both halves of the pitch.
Speaking to United’s official club website, Cox said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.”
Andrey Santos’ full skill set wasn’t utilised at Chelsea 😔
Jason Wilcox on Andrey Santos
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Chelsea supporters did not see Santos attack the opposition box too often last season. In 43 appearances, he scored just three goals.
However, Wilcox’s words suggest that United signed him to make an impact in both boxes, which the 22-year-old is more than capable of.
Santos can shield his backline and is a very good No.6, but he can also score goals like a No.8, which the Brazil international proved at Strasbourg.
Andrey Santos’ goal record in final season at Strasbourg
Back in the 2024/25 season, Santos scored 11 goals in 38 outings across all competitions for Strasbourg, which is a superb return for a young midfielder.
Assessing his time at Chelsea and Strasbourg, Santos is clearly a midfielder that can do practically everything.
United now need to find a role for Santos that allows him to use all of his skills. Do that, and the former Chelsea man is going to end up being worth more than £50m.
This is a sale that Chelsea could come to regret. But again, the money was good, while Santos wanted a bigger role. Chelsea could not offer that because of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, but United should be able to.
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