Andrey Santos didn’t waste any time getting to work. The Brazilian midfielder trained with his new Manchester United teammates on Monday, just hours after the club officially announced his signing from Chelsea. And if everything goes according to plan, he could be on the field as early as this weekend.
United paid an initial £48 million for the 22-year-old, with another £2 million in add-ons that are considered easy to hit. Chelsea also negotiated a 10 percent sell-on clause, meaning they’ll get a cut if United ever moves him down the line. Santos signed a five-year contract with a club option for an extra year and will wear the number 17 shirt.
Why this weekend works
Santos wasn’t part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, so he didn’t need the standard three-week break that most international players get. That means he’s available now while guys like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are still on vacation. According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Santos is in line to travel with the team to Helsinki for their opening preseason friendly against Wrexham.
Michael Carrick, United’s manager, doesn’t have a ton of options in midfield right now. Santos and Mason Mount are the only senior, fit midfielders available for selection ahead of that game. So don’t be surprised if the kid gets some serious minutes on Saturday.
What Santos said about joining United
In his first interview as a United player, Santos called the club the biggest in the world. He said he’s hungry to make history and fight for his teammates. That’s the kind of thing you’d expect any new signing to say, but the way he said it felt genuine. He’s clearly eager to prove himself after a strange couple of years at Chelsea where he bounced around on loan without ever really getting a shot.
United has been prioritizing midfield reinforcements this summer, and Santos is the first piece of that puzzle. More arrivals are expected before the window closes, but for now, all eyes are on the Brazilian to see if he can hit the ground running.
Feature image via Eddie Keogh/Getty Images.
Leave a Comment