✅ HERE WE GO‼️: Manchester United Confirm Double Transfer Signings as Players Are Withdrawn from International Duty Ahead of Today’s Official Unveiling
Manchester United have just delivered a massive statement of intent for the 2025/26 season, confirming a blockbuster double signing in what is now being described as one of the most decisive and strategic moves of the summer window. The two players — one a dynamic midfielder and the other a fast-rising defensive talent — have both been withdrawn from international duty ahead of their official unveiling scheduled for today at Old Trafford.
Fans are rejoicing as the deals, which had been quietly progressing behind the scenes, are now fully confirmed with both players signing long-term contracts and flying into Manchester for final photoshoots, club media content, and the grand reveal.
Here’s everything we know about the surprise double swoop that’s got Manchester buzzing again.
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✅ The Signings: João Neves & Jarrad Branthwaite
The two players in question are João Neves, the Portuguese midfield sensation from Benfica, and Jarrad Branthwaite, the England U21 international and commanding centre-back from Everton.
1. João Neves — The Midfield Maestro
Age: 19
From: Benfica
Transfer Fee: £55 million + add-ons
Contract: 6 years + option for 1 more
International Status: Portugal (withdrew from Euro 2024 standby list)
Neves has been a long-term target for Manchester United. With comparisons to the likes of N’Golo Kanté and Marco Verratti, he’s considered one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Known for his energy, pressing intensity, crisp passing, and incredible maturity for his age, Neves will arrive at United as a cornerstone for manager Rúben Amorim’s midfield project.
United’s new ownership structure, led by INEOS and sporting director Jason Wilcox, accelerated negotiations once Amorim identified Neves as a non-negotiable piece of his tactical puzzle. The player has already passed the bulk of his medical and was withdrawn from Portugal’s Euro 2024 standby squad late last night to finalize the move.
Neves is expected to slot straight into the first team, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen expected to depart this summer.
> “He’s got everything,” said Amorim in a leaked internal report. “He plays the way I want United to play — fast, fearless, focused.”
2. Jarrad Branthwaite — The Defensive Rock
Age: 22
From: Everton
Transfer Fee: £45 million (initial) + £10m performance-based bonuses
Contract: 5 years + option for 1 more
International Status: England U21 (withdrew from pre-tournament camp)
Branthwaite has been one of the most in-demand young defenders in England after a stellar campaign with Everton, where he emerged as a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the Toffees.
Towering at 6’5″, left-footed, and calm under pressure, Branthwaite was seen as a dream partner for Lisandro Martínez or Raphaël Varane (if he stays). His signing is seen as a direct move to future-proof United’s back line and provide the balance and aerial strength the club lacked for large spells last season.
United beat off late interest from Tottenham and Newcastle to seal the deal, with INEOS reportedly fast-tracking personal terms and medicals once Amorim gave his approval.
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Withdrawn from International Duty: A Bold Signal
The fact that both players were officially withdrawn from international camps is a rare and significant move, showing just how serious and time-sensitive this double deal became.
Neves had been included in Portugal’s extended Euro 2024 list but was released after United made a formal request to the Portuguese FA to prioritize his medical and unveiling.
Branthwaite, meanwhile, was called up for England U21s’ summer tournament prep but was excused from joining the squad after United lodged an official medical scheduling conflict, which was accepted by the FA.
Both national setups respected the professionalism and timeline of the moves — a sign of the high regard both players are held in across European football.
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Unveiling Event: What to Expect Today
United are planning a dual unveiling event at Old Trafford today, with club media already preparing video teasers, promotional content, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with both players.
While one or both players may be presented via a private press conference due to the timing of international fixtures, the club’s marketing team is planning a big push across digital platforms under the banners:
#WelcomeNeves
#BranthwaiteIsRed
#UnitedRebuild2025
Fans will likely see both players photographed with Amorim, holding up their new shirts (Neves rumored to wear No. 6; Branthwaite expected to take No. 14), and giving their first interviews as Manchester United players.
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Why These Two Signings Matter
Both signings speak directly to Manchester United’s new recruitment philosophy — young, hungry, Premier League-proven (in Branthwaite’s case), and tailored to Amorim’s tactical demands.
Here’s what they bring:
João Neves
Quick transitions and defensive coverage
Elite press resistance
Ball-winning instincts at a young age
Tactical maturity beyond his years
A long-term replacement for Casemiro
Jarrad Branthwaite
Aerial dominance in both boxes
Comfortable playing out from the back
Left-footed balance to complement right-footed centre-backs
Premier League experience despite young age
Long-term replacement for Maguire or Varane
Together, these two additions raise the technical and physical ceiling of the team dramatically — and give Amorim a spine to build upon as United target Champions League qualification and more next season.
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Fan Reactions: Optimism Returns to Old Trafford
After years of mismanaged windows and underwhelming additions, Manchester United fans are finally starting to believe again.
Social media erupted within minutes of Fabrizio Romano’s “Here we go” tweet confirming the deals. Fan accounts posted tribute videos, mock-up kits, and celebratory chants echoing the excitement.
> “João Neves is a monster. We’ve finally moved like a modern club,” wrote one supporter.
“Branthwaite is the Varane replacement we’ve needed. Solid, strong, young. This rebuild is real,” said another.
Even club legends like Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand applauded the moves, with Neville tweeting:
> “Smart business. Young players who actually fit a system. This is the United I’ve wanted for a decade.”
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What’s Next?
With two key targets through the door, Manchester United will now shift focus to:
A right-winger (Olise remains a top priority)
A striker to support or compete with Højlund
Potential sales of fringe players like Sancho, McTominay, and Martial
INEOS is determined to complete most of their business early, avoiding the frantic, late-window panics that have plagued past United summers.
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Final Thoughts
With João Neves and Jarrad Branthwaite now officially on board, Manchester United’s summer rebuild is off to a flying start. Young, dynamic, and carefully scouted, both players represent a new era — one of purpose, structure, and long-term vision.
The unveiling is set for today — and with that, Manchester United fans finally have something real to believe in.
The project is no longer a concept. It’s happening.
Congratulations, Red Devils — your club is building the future now.
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