Manchester United have wasted absolutely no time making their mark on the 2026 summer transfer window. In the space of just a few days, the Red Devils have completed two major midfield signings — first the £50m arrival of Brazilian powerhouse Andrey Santos from Chelsea, and then the £35m capture of Belgium international Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans are expected to cost a combined £85m, add-ons included. The Old Trafford engine room has been overhauled — and the message from the club is crystal clear: Manchester United mean business.
Table of Contents
Manchester United — Double Midfield Signings At a Glance
| Detail | Andrey Santos | Youri Tielemans |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Club | Chelsea | Aston Villa |
| Transfer Fee | £50m (£48m + £2m add-ons) | £35m (release clause) |
| Contract Length | Until 2031 (+ 1-year option) | Until June 2031 |
| Nationality | Brazilian | Belgian |
| Age | 22 | 29 |
| Position | Central Midfielder | Central Midfielder |
| Shirt Number | TBC | 18 |
Why Manchester United Needed Midfield Reinforcements
The club made midfield strengthening a priority this summer following the departure of Brazil’s Casemiro and the knee ligament injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte in Uruguay’s World Cup group-stage defeat to Spain. They had earlier missed out on reported targets Elliot Anderson, with Manchester City agreeing a deal for the Nottingham Forest player, and Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham from Southampton. With gaps to fill and a squad in need of a rebuild, Director of Football Jason Wilcox moved swiftly.
Despite these additions, the club intends to strengthen its midfield further, indicating a significant overhaul strategy as the team prepares for the upcoming season under manager Michael Carrick. The respected journalist David Ornstein expects another arrival in the middle of the park, underlining that three midfielders in total was always part of the plan this summer.
Andrey Santos — The £50m Brazilian Arrival
Manchester United completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m. The agreement is broken up into a guaranteed £48m payment plus £2m in add-ons. Chelsea will also retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
The Brazilian midfielder joins Michael Carrick’s squad on a contract until 2031 with a one-year option. Santos becomes the first permanent signing under head coach Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 and featured 43 times for the Blues in 2025/26. He previously spent time on loan at both Nottingham Forest and Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. Santos returned to Chelsea for the 2025-26 season but was unable to establish himself in their starting line-up as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were the first-choice central midfield pairing.
Despite his clear technical ability and leadership experience, having previously captained Brazil at youth international level, Santos found opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge. Operating primarily in a rotational role to support the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, he was hungry for a platform where he could command a more consistent starting role.
Santos is primarily a more defensive, combative midfielder, but he can also play in a more advanced role as well as from deep. United have been looking for midfielders who can play through the lines and believe Santos has shown an ability to do that.
Santos featured in 43 matches for Chelsea in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.
In his own words, Santos said: “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. Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.”
Youri Tielemans — The £35m Belgian Leader
Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a deal worth £35 million. The Belgium international arrives at Old Trafford following a stellar campaign in the Midlands, where he played a pivotal role in ending Villa’s long wait for European silverware.
United have bolstered their midfield options with the acquisition of Tielemans, who joins the club on a contract that runs until June 2031. The 29-year-old moves to the Theatre of Dreams after an impressive stint at Aston Villa, where he recently captained Belgium to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Villa reportedly did not want to sell Tielemans, but United triggered the release clause, which prompted the sale.
He scored the winner in Leicester City’s FA Cup final triumph in 2021, delivered again in Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory last season, and captained Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
The Belgian’s ability to remain composed under pressure — ranking second in the league for line-breaking passes under duress — was a key factor in the pursuit.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox said: “Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United. Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.”
Tielemans himself said: “It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible; it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football. I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years.”
Transfer Fee Breakdown
| Signing | Base Fee | Add-Ons | Total Package | Sell-On Clause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrey Santos | £48m | £2m | £50m | 10% (Chelsea) |
| Youri Tielemans | £35m (release clause) | — | £35m | None Reported |
| Combined Total | — | — | £85m | — |
Player Profiles at a Glance
| Attribute | Andrey Santos | Youri Tielemans |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | TBC, 2004 | May 7, 1997 |
| Nationality | Brazilian | Belgian |
| Previous Clubs | Vasco da Gama, Chelsea (loan: Nottingham Forest, Strasbourg) | Anderlecht, Monaco, Leicester City, Aston Villa |
| Goals (2025/26) | 3 (43 apps) | Key role in Europa League win |
| International Caps | Brazil Youth (captain) | 90+ for Belgium |
| Strengths | Defensive pressing, progressive passing, versatility | Composure, creativity, leadership, line-breaking passes |
What It Means for Manchester United
Tielemans brings composure in possession, leadership without the armband and has done it all at the highest level. INEOS are planning for the long term but that should not come at the detriment to what United want to achieve immediately. Tielemans is an obvious fit and may be an early shout for signing of the summer.
With Kobbie Mainoo already in situ, United will want somebody with legs — someone who can really cover ground and provide complementary qualities to what those players bring to the party, which is ball-playing ability. A third midfield addition remains a possibility as the summer window progresses.
Last season at Chelsea, the Blues went on their best run of eight straight wins with Santos in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo, which underlines the quality he brings and the sort of consistency United will be hoping he can replicate at Old Trafford.
FAQs
How much did Manchester United spend on both midfield signings combined?
Both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans are expected to cost a combined £85m, add-ons included.
How much did Manchester United pay for Andrey Santos?
Manchester United completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m. The agreement is broken up into a guaranteed £48m payment plus £2m in add-ons. Chelsea will also retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
How much did Manchester United pay for Youri Tielemans?
Manchester United officially confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a deal worth £35 million. Villa reportedly did not want to sell Tielemans, but United triggered the release clause, which prompted the sale.
Who is the manager overseeing these signings at Manchester United?
Andrey Santos becomes the first permanent signing under Michael Carrick as head coach at Old Trafford.
Will Manchester United sign a third midfielder this summer?
David Ornstein expects another arrival in the middle of the park, underlining that three midfielders in total was always part of the plan this summer. United have a long-term interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
