Andrey Santos joins United for £50m as Tielemans pursuit puts Ederson deal on hold

Manchester United have completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50million, with the 22-year-old Brazil international becoming the club’s first midfield addition of the summer. The deal comes as United simultaneously close in on a shock move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, a pursuit that has thrown the club’s proposed transfer for Atalanta’s Ederson into serious doubt.

Santos, who made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, pointed directly to manager Michael Carrick as a decisive factor in his choice to move to Old Trafford.

“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 step in my career and push to achieve my dreams,” Santos told the club’s official website. “Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”

Carrick’s midfield rebuild was already a priority heading into the window following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season, a situation compounded when Manuel Ugarte sustained an injury during the World Cup.

United had appeared to resolve part of that problem by agreeing a fee of £35million plus £3.8million with Atalanta for Ederson earlier in the summer. However, the deal stalled after the Brazilian failed a medical due to a knee issue discovered following a late World Cup call-up. United have paused the transfer, though a renegotiated fee with Atalanta could yet revive it.

The emerging pursuit of Tielemans adds a further layer of complexity. The Belgian, who captained his country to the World Cup quarter-finals, has spent three years at Aston Villa and holds a £35million release clause in a contract running until 2028. United are reported to be nearing an agreement, but his potential arrival is creating uncertainty around whether the Ederson move will be revisited at all.

With Santos through the door and Tielemans potentially following, Carrick’s midfield is taking shape — though the Ederson situation remains unresolved as United weigh their options.