Manchester United’s 2026 Summer Transfers: Baleba, Santos and Tielemans to Lead a Midfield Rebuild
Manchester United reinforced their ranks ahead of the 2026/27 season with a host of summer signings, with midfielder Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans at the forefront of their rebuild in the middle of the park.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow joined the club too, while a number of senior stars and academy prospects departed the club on permanent transfers, loans and contract expiry.
The club’s recruitment activity represents a major shake-up of United’s squad, primarily in the middle of the pitch, where they have added players from Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Manchester United’s Summer 2026 Signings
The table below summarises the key arrivals highlighted in the provided transfer information and the club’s summer update.
Player Position Previous club Transfer details
Carlos Baleba Midfielder Brighton & Hove Albion Permanent transfer
Andrey Santos Midfielder Chelsea Permanent transfer
Youri Tielemans Midfielder Aston Villa Permanent transfer
Karl Darlow Goalkeeper Leeds United Free transfer
Tynan Thompson Winger Tottenham Hotspur Permanent transfer
Cristian Orozco Young player Fortaleza CEIF Permanent transfer
Kit Margetson Goalkeeper Swansea City Free transfer
Transfer fees for several players have been reported differently by various sources, and should be treated as approximations, or confirmed by the clubs concerned.
Carlos Baleba Arrives From Brighton
Carlos Baleba was one of Manchester United’s most high-profile summer signings. The Cameroon international joined the club from Brighton & Hove Albion, adding to their options in midfield.
Baleba is a strong, athletic presence who brings power and a physical presence to the pitch. His arrival provides United with another player who can be a forceful presence in central midfield, helping to press and win the ball back.
His performances will be closely scrutinised as he settles into his new club and faces the challenges of the Premier League season.
Andrey Santos Joins From Chelsea
Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos also moved to Manchester United, after leaving Chelsea.
The signing provides another option in midfield, with potential to contribute to the team’s balance and ball retention, depending on the manager’s needs and the competition for places in the squad.
Santos is part of a wider recruitment strategy that has seen United make a number of summer signings in midfield.
Youri Tielemans Brings Experience
Youri Tielemans joined United from Aston Villa, bringing extensive experience with him.
The Belgium international offers a different presence to Baleba and Santos, with good passing range and a calmness in possession. His arrival gives United a player who can help in both defensive and attacking areas of the pitch.
How well Tielemans slots into the squad will be an important consideration for the manager, as well as where he slots in with Baleba, Santos and the other first-team midfielders.
Karl Darlow Strengthens the Goalkeeping Department
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow joined the club as a free agent, after his contract with Leeds United expired.
His arrival provides a new option between the posts for United, and how he fits into the squad will be dictated by selection decisions and competition for places.
Manchester United’s Notable Departures
United also made a number of departures from the squad.
Player Destination or status Transfer type
Rasmus Højlund Napoli Permanent transfer
Radek Vítek Middlesbrough Permanent transfer
Casemiro Inter Miami Departure following contract expiry
Altay Bayındır Celta Vigo Loan
André Onana Trabzonspor Loan
Jadon Sancho Contract expired Departure
The arrivals reduced the number of players available in certain areas, while creating opportunities for new signings and other squad members.
The permanent move involving Højlund and the departures of experienced players such as Casemiro were two of the notable departures during the summer window.
What the Transfers Mean for Manchester United
The summer recruitment programme for Manchester United has provided the club with more options in midfield and added competition for places in the squad.
Baleba, Santos and Tielemans offer different qualities, so the challenge is to find an effective combination, rather than simply building up a larger squad.
The manager will have to balance defensive requirements, ball progression, creativity and consistency, while new signings may need some time to settle in with their team-mates and adjust their game.
Ultimately, the success of the transfer window will be measured in results and performances, as opposed to transfer fees or the reputation of individual players.
Can United Challenge for Major Honours?
The new arrivals provide reasons for supporters to consider the team’s prospects with interest, but signing players may not lead to immediate success.
United will have to utilise their recruitment activity to deliver consistent performances throughout domestic and European competitions, and there will be a test of their squad’s ability to withstand setbacks and develop.
The overhaul of their midfield could prove crucial, should the arrivals settle in quickly and form effective partnerships.
Editorial and Fact-Checking Note
This article summarises Manchester United’s summer 2026 transfer activity, using the provided information and publicly reported club transfer records. Transfer fees may differ between reports, particularly where add-ons and other terms are included, and should be treated as approximations, or confirmed by the clubs concerned.
Transfer status, destinations and squad details may change as clubs provide further announcements, and readers should distinguish between confirmed transfers and speculation or unsubstantiated fee reports.
