New Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos has revealed that he received a supportive message from his former Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer after completing his £50 million move to Old Trafford. The Brazilian, 22, signed a five-year contract with United, with an initial fee of £48 million and £2 million in add-ons heading to Chelsea.
Santos keen for regular game time
Santos was eager to leave Stamford Bridge in search of more consistent playing opportunities. He joined Chelsea in January 2023 but spent loan spells at Vasco de Gama, Nottingham Forest, and Strasbourg before becoming part of the Blues' first-team squad last season, where he played alongside Palmer.
United have brought in Santos as part of a midfield rebuild, also confirming the £35 million capture of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The club is reportedly still looking to add a third new midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Palmer's message revealed
Speaking to MUTV, Santos shared the message he received from Palmer. "I got a message from Cole [Palmer], he sent a message because he was born here [Manchester], so he knows everything here," Santos said. "He said all the best for you, for your career, you deserve this, a lot of things. So I'm so excited to be here in Manchester with my new teammates."
Palmer also publicly wished Santos well on social media, commenting on United's Instagram post: "What a player! Good luck bro [red heart emoji]."
Palmer's future speculation
The revelation comes amid reports linking Palmer with a potential return to Manchester. Despite coming through Manchester City's youth academy, the England international is a boyhood United fan. However, United decided against making a move for him in the current window. Palmer has previously dismissed suggestions of homesickness, telling the Guardian in April: "Everyone just talks. When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don't miss it. Maybe I'll miss it if I don't go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there's nothing there for me anyway. I've got no plans to move from Chelsea. We've still got a lot to play for."
