Manchester United Confirm Double Midfield Signing as Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos Arrive at Old Trafford

Manchester United have strengthened their midfield ahead of the new season by completing the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, with both players signing long-term contracts at Old Trafford.

The arrivals represent another significant step in United’s summer rebuild, adding a blend of Premier League experience, international pedigree and long-term potential to Michael Carrick’s squad.

Tielemans joins the club on a deal until June 2031 after an impressive spell with Aston Villa. The Belgium international arrives with 90 senior caps to his name and recently captained his country to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

The 28-year-old enjoyed another outstanding campaign last season, registering seven Premier League assists before helping Villa lift the UEFA Europa League. Tielemans scored the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg and also ranked among the league’s standout midfielders for progressing play, breaking the most defensive lines per 100 passes and making the second-highest number of line-breaking passes under pressure among attackers and midfielders.

Speaking after completing the move, Tielemans 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.”

Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox added: “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.”

United also announced the signing of Brazil international Andrey Santos, who has agreed a contract until June 2031 with the option of a further year.

The 22-year-old arrives after an impressive season with Chelsea, where he made 43 appearances and recorded the highest pass-completion rate and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes among Premier League midfielders under the age of 22.

Santos previously enjoyed a standout loan spell at Strasbourg, captaining the French side on several occasions while contributing 11 goals and five assists. He has also captained Brazil at Under-23 level and lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

Reacting to his move, Santos said: “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.

“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.”

Wilcox believes Santos has all the qualities to make an immediate impact while continuing to develop in the years ahead.

“Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch,” he said.

“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.

“Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”