(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Chelsea reportedly valued Andrey Santos at just £25 million heading into the summer transfer window this year, according to The Athletic.
Yet, remarkably, Manchester United went on to agree a £50 million package for the Brazilian, shelling out an initial £48m and pledging a further £2m in add-ons.
Jason Wilcox is a man under intense scrutiny right now. First, Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United's director of football publicly. Then the Old Trafford crowd made it clear they blame him for some of the club's recent troubles. He has also been booed when leaving… pic.twitter.com/TnaGGxLlhS — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 3, 2026
Andrey Santos swapped blue for red in July
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Andrey Santos of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
He became the first midfielder of United’s rebuild, and was later joined by Youri Tielemans (£35m) and Carlos Baleba (£70m).
Despite being their second most expensive coup of the summer, Santos has struggled with his game time since making the switch – and that was the only reason he green-lit a Chelsea exit in the first place, as he ranked behind both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order.
Had he stayed put, he could now be playing a much more prominent role under Xabi Alonso due to their late sale of Fernandez.
Andrey Santos in the #UCL 😤 pic.twitter.com/VZzghiLlV5 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 9, 2026
At Old Trafford, the 22-year-old is tasked with cementing a starting spot.
How Santos has been faring
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Andrey Santos of Manchester United runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Santos has been deployed from the off only four times in the Premier League so far this campaign, while he’s also been an unused substitute for three whole matches.
Andrey Santos' game by numbers vs. Hull City: 100% tackles won (most)91% pass accuracy68 touches52 passes completed6/8 duels won (most)5 ball recoveries3 clearances Won the ball back well on his Premier League debut for Man Utd. 🛡️ pic.twitter.com/v1Lenx5fTk — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 22, 2026
Across all competitions, he has accumulated 556 minutes on the pitch, and has completed three full 90s.
After Baleba went off injured in United’s win over AS Roma on Tuesday night, it may now lead to Santos playing a key role at the heart of Michael Carrick’s squad over the coming weeks.
The Reds take on Aston Villa at home on Sunday before club action hits pause for another international break.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Harry Maguire of Manchester United pats Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, watches on as players warm up during the training session on MD-1 ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 at Trafford Training Centre on November 02, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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