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Published Jul 8, 2026, 5:38 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast.
Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
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Man United’s midfield rebuild has already taken a major step forward this summer with the arrival of Ederson, but the club have not stopped there.
With Michael Carrick now leading the project at Old Trafford, United are pushing to reshape the centre of the pitch with younger, more dynamic profiles.
Carrick is keen to build a midfield that can control games through possession while still offering energy and physicality, and that has led the club to move decisively for another emerging talent.
That player is Andrey Santos.
Man Utd agree deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
According to journalist David Ornstein, Man United have now reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the Brazilian midfielder in a deal worth £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons, alongside a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has already been granted permission to undergo a medical, with personal terms agreed, meaning the transfer is effectively in its final stages.
This move fits perfectly into the direction Carrick is trying to take the squad, coming after they missed out on a deal for Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.
Why Man United have opted for Andrey Santos
Santos is still only 22 but already carries the profile of a complete modern midfielder. He combines defensive awareness with the ability to drive forward, contribute goals and link play between the lines.
That blend of attributes makes him an ideal complement to Ederson, who offers more physical presence and ball-winning ability.
The financial structure of the deal is also telling.
Chelsea retain an interest in the player’s future development, while United secure a highly-rated talent without committing to an even larger upfront cost.
For Santos, the move represents a huge opportunity.
Breaking into Chelsea’s midfield consistently has proven difficult given their depth in that area, but at United he would have a clearer pathway to regular football after Casemiro's exit to Inter Miami.
Carrick’s track record as a midfielder himself could also play a key role in shaping his development, particularly in refining his positioning and decision-making at the highest level.
This could be a strong signing for United.
Santos brings energy, technical ability and long-term potential, all of which are essential for a team trying to build.
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