Manchester United signs Andrey Santos and targets Tielemans for Champions League return

Manchester United officially confirmed on Monday the transfer of Andrey Santos, a 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder, from Chelsea for €58 million (£50 million), plus a 10% sell-on clause. The player will sign a contract running until 2031.

Santos joined Chelsea last summer after a convincing season at Strasbourg. Presented alongside his new head coach Michael Carrick, the Brazilian displayed clear ambitions for his new chapter: “Since I was young, I’ve dreamed of this moment. The history, the responsibility that comes with this logo, that’s why I’m here. I will carve my name into the history of this great club.”

This recruitment is part of the Red Devils’ preparation for their return to the Champions League, three years after a failed European campaign. Third in the Premier League this season with play judged to be coherent, Manchester United intends to prove competitive on the continental stage.

Andrey Santos is unlikely to be the only summer arrival. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has reached a verbal agreement with Youri Tielemans and is about to activate the €41 million release clause of the Belgian midfielder, currently at Aston Villa. A 90-time international (15 goals), Tielemans has been playing in the Premier League for seven years, first at Leicester then at Villa Park. The pursuit of Éderson was reportedly abandoned last Friday.