Santos reveals Palmer's personal message after completing £50m Manchester United move

Andrey Santos has completed his £50 million move from Chelsea to Manchester United, signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old Brazilian becomes one of two midfield arrivals at the club this window, alongside the £35 million signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

Speaking after his arrival, Santos disclosed that former Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer reached out personally when news of the transfer broke. “I got a message from Cole — he sent a message because he was born here, so he knows everything here,” Santos said. “He said all the best for you, for your career, you deserve this, a lot of things. So I’m so excited to be here in Manchester with my new teammates.”

Palmer also offered a public endorsement, commenting on United’s Instagram post: “What a player! Good luck bro.”

The gesture has added fuel to ongoing speculation about Palmer’s own future, given that he is a boyhood United supporter who grew up in Manchester despite coming through the academy at rivals Manchester City. United are said to hold the England international in high regard but opted against pursuing him in the current window.

Palmer himself moved to play down any suggestion of homesickness in an April interview, stating: “Everyone just talks. When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea.”

Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023 and spent time on loan at Vasco de Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg before featuring regularly in the first-team squad last season. He made the move to United in search of consistent playing time, with the club still reportedly targeting a third midfield addition before the transfer window closes.

The initial fee of £48 million, with £2 million in add-ons, represents a significant investment as United continue to reshape their midfield under their current rebuild.