Man United Already Has Two Midfielders Locked In. Now They’re Chasing a Third From Brazil.

Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is moving fast. Real fast. The club already has two deals essentially done. Atalanta’s Ederson is working through the final stage of his medical in England this week, and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is scheduled to fly to Manchester on Thursday for his own physical and contract signing. That’s two Brazilians walking through the door within days.

But apparently, they’re not stopping there.

According to Brazilian outlet O Dia, via Sport Witness, United have opened talks with Botafogo over a third midfielder. The target is Danilo Santos, a 24-year-old Brazil international who played just 43 minutes across four substitute appearances at the World Cup. Not exactly a starring role, but the interest from European clubs has been consistent. Arsenal have been linked too.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Botafogo’s financial situation reportedly means they need to move a major asset this summer. The original asking price was around €40 million, which is roughly £34 million. But with the World Cup bump in value that Botafogo may have been banking on never really materialized. Santos didn’t get enough minutes to drive his price up. So it might be harder for the Brazilian side to hold firm at that number.

United’s midfield overhaul isn’t a surprise. The club went into the summer knowing they needed at least two new bodies in the middle of the park, maybe three. They also want a left winger and a left back. So the shopping list is long and the checkbook is open.

The Ederson deal has been brewing for a while. A €45 million fee was agreed with Atalanta over a month ago. He did the first part of his medical in New York back in June. The second part is happening in England this week, with United reportedly wanting full clearance before signing off. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that part of the process is still pending.

Meanwhile, the Andrey Santos deal came together fast. There were rumors United liked the player, but Wednesday evening saw a flurry of reports confirming an agreement with Chelsea. Romano gave his signature “here we go” on Thursday, adding that Chelsea got a 10 percent sell-on clause in the deal. Santos is expected to sign a five-year contract with a one-year option.

So that’s two down. Danilo Santos would make it three. Whether Botafogo caves on the price or United walks away remains to be seen. But the pattern is clear. United wants Brazilian midfielders, and they want them now.