Manchester united complete £48m signing for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and push to seal Youri Tielemans deal. Full breakdown of the midfield revamp, Ederson medical collapse, Santos contract, and what it means for Michael Carrick's United.
Manchester united have finally made their move.
After weeks of midfield uncertainty, the club have completed the £48m signing of Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are now in advanced talk to bring Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa to old Trafford.
It's the start of the rebuild united fans have been demanding. And it comes with drama, too United's planned £35m move for Atlanta's Ederson has been scrapped for now after a medical flagged an injury concern.
Here's everything you need to know.
ANDREY SANTOS TO UNITED: DONE DEAL
The 22 year old has signed a contract until June 2031, with the option of a further year. United agreed the fee with Chelsea last week, and Santos has now passed his medical and started training.
The fee:£48m
From: Chelsea
Contract: 2031 + 1 year option
Santos arrived with pedigree. He was part of the Chelsea squad that won the Club World Cup in 2025 and made 43 appearances for the Blues last season. Despite his age, he's already played at the highest level and brings leadership traits United badly need.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox called him an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
He was a key target for us in a important position, Wilcox added. Despite already having extensive experience… Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further.
For Santos, this is a dream move.
Everything about Manchester United is special, he said. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick. He is the perfect coach to help me take the next steps.
He could features as early as United's pre season operner vs Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.
TIELEMANS NEXT: DEAL CLOSE
If Santos is the future, Youri Tielemans is the now.
BBC Sports report United are in advanced negotiations for the 29 year old Belgium. The reason it's moving fast? Tielemans' Aston Villa contract reported contains a release clause, making talks much smoother.
Tielemans was central to Belgium's run to the World Cup quarter finals this summer before picking up an injury in the warm up against Spain. Before that, he was one of Villa's most consistent midfielders.
Why he matters: With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte out with a knee injury, Kobbie Mainoo was the only experienced orthodox central midfielder left in the squad. United missed out on Elliot Anderson to Man City and Mareus Fernandes chose Tottenham.
Tielemans restores experience, passing range, and composure immediately. Sources say confidence is growing that this deal gets done.
EDERSON DEAL COLLAPSES - FOR NOW
Not all the news is good
United's £35m pursuit of Atlanta midfielder Ederson has been put on hold. The 27 years old underwent initial tests in the US which flagged a cornern, then flew to England for further specialist checks after Brazil's World Cup last 16 exit to Norway.
The result: United have backed out.
Club sources stress the decision is about protecting the club's best interests. They are sympathetic to the power but won't proceed at the previously agreed terms.
However, the door isn't fully shut. Insiders say move could be resurrected later in the window depending on how United's business develops.
Crucially, United insists the Santos signing was not a panic buy triggered by the Ederson collapse. He was always a primary target.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MICHAEL CARRICK'S UNITED
This is a statement window for Carrick.
1. Age profile fixed: Santos 22, Tielemans 29. Experience + potential.
2. Profile change: Out goes Casemiro's physically. In comes Santos energy and Tielemans passing control. United want to dominate the ball more in 2026.
3. Depth crisis solved: Mainoo won't have to play 50 games alone anymore.
Carrick, a former England and United midfield maestro, is the perfect mentor for Santos. The Brazilian name checked him specifically as a reason for joining.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United's midfield was the number 1 priority this summer. Fans were getting restless watching rivals strengthen while United chased Anderson and lost out.
Now in 72 hours they've:
● Signed: Andrey Santos - £48m
● closing in on: Youri Tielemans - release clause deal
● Paused: Ederson - medical issue
It's not flashy galactico business. It's smart, targeted, and addresses the exact problem area.
If Tielemans signs, United will head into pre season with 3 new midfield options added in one window. That's the platform Carrick needs to push for trophies
Key Dates:
● 18 July: Pre season vs Wrexham in Helsinki. Santos could debut.
● August: Premier League opener. Tielemans deal expected to be done by then.
United are back in the market, and they are doing it their way. No more waiting.
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