Photo Credit: Getty Images
Manchester United have strengthened their midfield by completing the £48 million signing of Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea, while discussions to bring Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans to Old Trafford are nearing a successful conclusion.
The club has also ended its pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson for the time being after concerns were raised during his medical examination over an injury issue.
United reached an agreement with Chelsea for Santos last week, and the 22-year-old has now signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2031, with the option of a further 12 months.
Director of football Jason Wilcox described Santos as one of the club's top priorities during the transfer window.
He praised the midfielder's technical ability, versatility and influence at both ends of the pitch, adding that although Santos has already gained valuable experience and demonstrated leadership qualities, he still has significant room to grow. Wilcox said the club is excited to see him continue his development at Manchester United.
Santos arrives after helping Chelsea win the 2025 Club World Cup and making 43 appearances across all competitions last season.
The Brazilian will now work under Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick, whose playing career as a midfielder has made him a respected figure for young players in the position.
Speaking after completing the move, Santos described joining United as a dream come true. He said the club's history and the legends who have represented it made the opportunity even more special. He also expressed excitement about learning from Carrick, saying the manager is the ideal coach to help him reach the next stage of his career.
Santos added that he had heard positive things about the club's ambition and dressing room environment and is eager to contribute as United compete for major honours.
Although he was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad, Santos has already joined his new teammates in training and could feature in United's opening pre-season fixture against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.
Meanwhile, confidence is growing that United will also complete the signing of Tielemans. The Belgium international has been a long-term target, and his Aston Villa contract reportedly includes a release clause that has simplified negotiations. A deal is believed to be close.
Strengthening central midfield has been one of United's main priorities this summer following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury, which left Kobbie Mainoo as the club's only experienced natural central midfielder.
United had previously missed out on primary target Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City, while another midfield option, Mateus Fernandes, chose Tottenham Hotspur over a move to Old Trafford.
The club's pursuit of Ederson has also been paused after specialist examinations following his medical identified concerns related to a knee issue. United remain open to revisiting the deal later in the transfer window, although any future negotiations would likely be on different financial terms. Club sources have stressed that the decision to sign Santos was made independently and was not influenced by the collapse of the Ederson transfer.
