Manchester United have been forced to pursue alternative midfield targets and Andrey Santos is now being linked with a move.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are actively targeting Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as their next potential signing.
The report claims that Santos is valued “in the region” of £50 million, and that the 22-year-old is open to leaving Stamford Bridge in pursuit of more regular game time.
Newcastle United are also credited with interest in Santos as a replacement for Sandro Tonali. United showed interest in Santos back in March, and now it seems the links have been reignited.
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Why Andrey Santos ticks two boxes for Manchester United
There are two key stats that make Santos an ideal signing for United, given the areas that Michael Carrick is eager to strengthen.
Ideally, United need a long-term midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo. That profile needs to be an elite duel-winner with high mobility, as well as being comfortable in possession.
According to DataMB, Santos ranks in the top 2% of midfielders for the percentage of duels won. The Brazilian is incredibly efficient at coming out with the ball when he enters a challenge.
Santos is also in the top 1% of midfielders for the percentage of forward passes completed. A forward-thinking midfielder who is an elite ball-winner is exactly the profile that United need this summer.
There are some cons to Santos’ style of play, however. He is in the bottom five percent for key passes made by a midfielder, so in terms of creativity and chances created, he struggles.
He is also in the 19th percentile for progressive carries, so United fans should not expect Santos to make bursting runs through midfield.
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Andrey Santos is an exciting risk for Manchester United
Ineos want Premier League-proven stars, and Santos does have experience in England, but not exactly in the bucket loads.
Santos has made 47 appearances for Chelsea since signing from Vasco De Gama in 2023, but he has largely been stuck behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge.
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For £50 million, Santos would be expected to hit the ground running for United, but it would be a huge step up from his current role.
Compared to the likes of Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Aurelien Tchouameni who play week-in, week-out for their clubs, Santos does not have that experience under his belt.
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