Andrey Santos signs from Chelsea
Your first midfield signing of the summer is done. Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea, with the deal confirmed on Monday (1) (2) (3). ESPN reports the fee at £50m (2).
"Everything about Manchester United is special. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented," Santos told the club's website (1) (6).
Tielemans release clause triggered
A second midfielder is close. United have triggered Youri Tielemans' £35m release clause at Aston Villa, with the Belgian expected to follow Santos through the door (3) (4).
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The move addresses the gap left by Casemiro's departure. Two midfielders were the minimum requirement this window. You are now one signature away from meeting it.
Éderson deal collapsed, may return later
The Éderson pursuit hit a wall. United's move for the Atalanta midfielder was called off on Friday after terms could not be agreed (3) (4).
Sources close to the club say the deal could be resurrected later in the window, but not at the previously agreed figures (3) (4). For now, it is off.
Darlow eyed as goalkeeping cover
United are looking at Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, with both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana expected to leave this summer (3). A backup option behind whatever first-choice keeper arrives next. Quiet one to watch.
Fan reactions
The Santos signing split opinion across Reddit. Chelsea fans on r/chelseafc were largely critical of the sale, with many questioning why a promising midfielder was allowed to join a direct rival. United supporters on r/reddevils saw the Tielemans clause activation as smart business at £35m, though frustration lingered over the Éderson collapse, with several asking why the club walked away from a player they had clearly identified as a target.
Andrey Santos confirmed on r/soccer | Tielemans clause discussion | Éderson fallout on r/reddevils
