Benjamin Šeško’s Manchester United link-up boosted by Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos

Benjamin Šeško’s Manchester United squad adds Chelsea’s Andrey Santos

Benjamin Šeško’s Manchester United campaign just got a boost from an unexpected source: the club has signed 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder **Andrey Santos** from Chelsea, the clubs confirmed on Wednesday.

The move marks Manchester United’s first summer signing as they rebuild under new manager **Erik ten Hag**, who has made central midfield a priority following the departures of **Casemiro** and the long-term injury to **Manuel Ugarte**-the Uruguayan suffered a knee ligament tear during Spain’s World Cup win over Uruguay on 21 December 2025.

What happened?

Manchester United will pay Chelsea nearly €60 million for Santos, including performance-related bonuses, according to British media reports. Santos, a Brazil international, has signed a contract running until June 2031 with an option for an extra year.

Chelsea, meanwhile, recoup a player they signed from **Vasco da Gama** for £16 million in 2023. Santos spent most of his Chelsea career out on loan-first to Nottingham Forest in 2023/24, then to **Strasbourg** in France for a second spell last season-before returning to London only to lose his place to **Enzo Fernández** and **Moises Caicedo**.

Why it matters for Benjamin Šeško

Šeško, 23, now has a direct link to a high-profile midfielder who could slot into the engine room alongside **Kobbie Mainoo** and **Christian Eriksen**. United’s midfield has been a weak spot since Casemiro’s exit, and Santos arrives with Champions League experience and Brazil caps under his belt.

Ten Hag’s side also remains locked in talks with **Aston Villa** over **Youri Tielemans**, another midfield target. The Belgian, 27, would add creativity and leadership if the deal goes through.

What comes next?

Manchester United’s summer window stays open. The club is still chasing **Elliot Anderson**, who left **Nottingham Forest** for **Manchester City** earlier this month, and **Mateus Fernandes**, who swapped **Southampton** for **Tottenham**.

Santos will now compete with **Mainoo**, **Eriksen**, **Scott McTominay**, and **Tielemans** for minutes. His first competitive outing could come as early as 10 August, when United host **Fulham** in their Premier League curtain-raiser.

The Brazilian arrives at Old Trafford with something to prove after a frustrating final season at Chelsea, where he managed just 47 appearances in two and a half years. Now, under ten Hag, he has a fresh chance to stake his claim in a United shirt.