United News | Santos signing confirmed as Tielemans move gathers pace

United have completed the £48m signing of Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea 

We are now pushing to strengthen their midfield further, with talks over a move for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans at an advanced stage.

Author | Liam C

It has also emerged that United have shelved their planned £35m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after a medical examination raised concerns over an injury issue. However, it is believed that the club could come back to this transfer later in the window. 

First signing of the summer almost done. We have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Brazilian talent Andrey Santos. viewfromkstand.blogspot.com/2026/07/unit...

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— The View From K Stand (@theviewfromkstand.bsky.social) 8 July 2026 at 21:09

We agreed a fee with Chelsea for Santos last week and the 22-year-old has now put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2031, with the option of an additional year. 

Tielemans next on club wishlist

Attention is already turning to the next addition, with growing optimism that a deal can be struck for Tielemans.

The Belgian midfielder has been admired by United for some time and reports suggest his Aston Villa contract includes a release clause, making negotiations more straightforward. With discussions progressing well, there is increasing belief he could become the club's next summer signing.

Tielemans underlined his quality during Belgium's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, although his campaign ended on a frustrating note after he was forced to withdraw from the 2-1 defeat by Spain because of an injury sustained during the warm-up.