Manchester United agree deals for Santos and Tielemans

Manchester United have agreed a verbal deal with Chelsea for midfielder Andrey Santos, who has struggled to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old Brazilian moved from Vasco da Gama to Chelsea in 2023 for £16 million (€18.8 million) but has since been loaned out several times – initially back to Brazil, then to Nottingham Forest, and twice to Strasbourg. Santos returned to Chelsea for the 2025/26 season but could not displace Enzo Fernández or Moisés Caicedo in central midfield.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have also reached an agreement with Aston Villa for Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans. The club activated a €41 million release clause in Tielemans' contract, and a verbal agreement has been reached with the player. Tielemans has been a key figure for Aston Villa in recent seasons.