Manchester United is expected to formally announce two new signings on Friday, with the club finalizing deals for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The moves come as United pushes hard to reshape its squad ahead of a return to Champions League football.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed Thursday that Santos completed his medical in Manchester and will sign a contract running through June 2031, with a club option for an additional year. The 22-year-old Brazilian is moving across the Premier League in a deal worth £50 million, and Chelsea negotiated a 10 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Santos has been on the radar of several clubs since breaking through at Vasco da Gama, but his time at Chelsea never really took off. United is betting he can provide the energy and technical quality Erik ten Hag’s midfield needs — especially with Champions League fixtures back on the schedule.
“Andrey Santos has just completed a successful medical as new Manchester United player. Clubs signed all documents for £50 million package deal. Andrey signs tomorrow, Friday on deal until June 2031 plus option at #MUFC,” Romano posted.
Darlow arrives as homegrown backup
Karl Darlow, 35, is coming in on a free transfer to serve as the primary backup to starting goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The former Newcastle and Leeds keeper qualifies as homegrown, which helps United meet squad registration rules without burning a foreign slot.
Darlow’s arrival also clears the way for Altay Bayindir to move on. The Turkish goalkeeper has been linked with a return to his home country, with Besiktas considered the frontrunner. United is expected to finalize that exit shortly after Darlow’s signing is announced.
Third signing nearly locked in
United isn’t stopping at two. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is currently undergoing medical assessments after the club agreed a €44 million (£38.8 million) package with the Serie A side. Romano indicated the 26-year-old Brazilian is close to being cleared, and if he passes, he’ll become United’s third summer addition.
Ederson has been a standout in Italy’s top flight, known for his physicality and ability to cover ground. Pairing him with Santos would give United a completely overhauled midfield base — younger, more athletic, and built to press higher up the pitch. The club’s board is waiting on the medical results before making an official announcement.
United has not commented publicly on any of the deals, but the paperwork is done on Santos and Darlow. Friday should bring the formal confirmations.
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