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Manchester United have shifted their summer transfer strategy by activating the release clause of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans while officially ending their pursuit of Brazilian international Éderson.
The Red Devils have formally informed Italian side Atalanta BC that they are withdrawing from signing Éderson despite the two clubs previously reaching an agreement over a transfer fee before the midfielder departed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
Instead, United have accelerated plans to strengthen their midfield by securing a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a reported £50 million transfer and moving swiftly to trigger Tielemans’ release clause at Aston Villa.
The changes come as head coach Michael Carrick looks to rebuild the centre of the pitch following the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte, leaving United in urgent need of experienced and reliable options.
United Abandon Éderson Pursuit
United had identified Éderson as one of their priority midfield targets after his impressive performances in Serie A. Talks between the clubs progressed well, with both sides reportedly agreeing on a transfer fee before the Brazilian travelled to North America for the FIFA World Cup.
However, the Premier League club reassessed its transfer priorities during the tournament and decided to pursue alternative options that better suited its financial and tactical plans. The decision brought negotiations to an abrupt end despite the advanced stage of discussions.
The failed move is understood to have disappointed Éderson, who had been hopeful of completing a switch to Old Trafford.
The Brazilian has now returned to Italy, where Atalanta are preparing to open talks over a contract extension that would keep him at the club until June 2031.
Tielemans Emerges as United’s Priority
With the Éderson deal shelved, United immediately turned their attention to Tielemans, triggering the €41 million release clause in the Belgian midfielder’s Aston Villa contract.
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The club has also reached a verbal agreement with the former Leicester City player, paving the way for him to become one of United’s key midfield additions this summer.
Tielemans brings considerable Premier League experience, having established himself as one of the league’s most composed midfielders. His ability to dictate possession, switch play with accurate passing and contribute goals from midfield makes him an attractive option for Carrick as he reshapes the squad.
The 29-year-old’s leadership qualities and consistency are also viewed as important assets for a United side seeking greater stability after an inconsistent campaign.
Santos Deal Complements Midfield Rebuild
United’s midfield overhaul does not end with Tielemans. The club has already agreed a £50 million deal with Chelsea for Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos, one of the brightest emerging midfield talents in world football.
At just 22 years old, Santos is expected to add energy, defensive awareness and technical quality to United’s midfield while providing a long-term solution in the position.
The arrivals of Santos and Tielemans will represent a significant change in direction after the collapse of the Éderson transfer.
With Casemiro gone and Ugarte facing an extended spell on the sidelines, reinforcing midfield had become one of the club’s most pressing priorities.
While Éderson is set to remain in Bergamo and potentially commit his future to Atalanta with a new long-term contract, Manchester United appear satisfied with the direction of their transfer strategy.
Should the Tielemans deal be finalised alongside Santos’ arrival, the Red Devils will head into the new campaign with two new midfield reinforcements as Carrick continues reshaping his squad for the challenges ahead.
