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DONE DEAL â ď¸: Manchester United Complete the Deal to Sign a Very Aggressive Striker Who Has Been Highly Regarded as the Defenderâs Nightmare â Heâll Be Given the No.7 Shirt
Manchester â June 13, 2025
Manchester United have made a bold and emphatic statement in the transfer market, officially confirming the signing of one of the most aggressive and electrifying forwards in European football. The Premier League giants have completed the transfer of Santiago VelĂĄsquez, a 24-year-old Uruguayan striker who has been dubbed the âdefenderâs nightmareâ across Europe for his relentless physicality, ruthless finishing, and unyielding attacking mindset.
The club announced today that VelĂĄsquez will wear the iconic No.7 shirt, a number that carries immense history and weight at Old Trafford. Itâs a move that not only reinforces Unitedâs frontline but symbolizes a deeper ambition: to return to the peak of English and European football with fearless, fire-powered talent leading the charge.
Who Is Santiago VelĂĄsquez?
Santiago VelĂĄsquez may not yet be a household name globally, but those who follow South American and Spanish football know his reputation all too well. Having scored 31 goals and registered 12 assists last season for AtlĂŠtico Bilbao in La Liga, VelĂĄsquez built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and hard-hitting forwards on the continent. He terrorized defenses with his strength, pace, and refusal to be bullied off the ball.
Standing at 6’1″, with a muscular frame and the heart of a warrior, VelĂĄsquez is not the kind of striker who waits for the ball to come to him â he goes to war for it. He thrives on chaos in the box, presses defenders relentlessly, and celebrates tackles as passionately as goals.
Described by former Uruguayan international Diego ForlĂĄn as “a forward born for Old Trafford,” VelĂĄsquez possesses the type of intensity and charisma that has been missing in Manchester Unitedâs forward line since the departure of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The No.7 Shirt â Legacy and Pressure
In giving VelĂĄsquez the No.7 jersey, Manchester United are handing him not just a number, but a legacy. From George Best to Eric Cantona, from David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo â the No.7 is more than a shirt; itâs a symbol of leadership, swagger, and superstar status.
In recent years, however, the shirt has weighed heavily on those who wore it. The likes of Ăngel Di MarĂa, Memphis Depay, and Alexis SĂĄnchez all failed to live up to the expectations that come with it. But insiders at United believe VelĂĄsquez is different â not just for his physical gifts, but for his mentality.
In his first club interview, VelĂĄsquez said:
> âIâm not afraid of pressure. Pressure is what makes diamonds. I know what the No.7 means. Iâll wear it with pride and fury.â
Fans have responded with excitement and cautious optimism. For them, itâs time the shirt regained its reputation. With VelĂĄsquezâs arrival, the buzz is back.
The Transfer Details
Manchester United signed VelĂĄsquez in a deal worth ÂŁ68 million, potentially rising to ÂŁ80 million with add-ons. The transfer came after weeks of negotiations with AtlĂŠtico Bilbao, who were reluctant to let their star man go but ultimately relented after the player made it clear that his heart was set on Old Trafford.
VelĂĄsquez has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a sixth year. His salary will place him among the clubâs top earners, but still within the new wage structure introduced under Unitedâs modern recruitment strategy.
According to sources, VelĂĄsquez turned down interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea, both of whom were prepared to match Unitedâs financial offer, but were unable to match the allure of the No.7 shirt, the chance to lead a historic revival, and the passion of Unitedâs global fanbase.
Amorimâs First-Choice Target
New United manager RĂşben Amorim reportedly identified VelĂĄsquez as his top target upon arriving at the club earlier this summer. Amorimâs system depends on a striker who not only scores goals but applies pressure from the front, links up with midfielders, and leads by example.
VelĂĄsquez fits that mold perfectly. His relentless work rate, combined with a killer instinct in the box, makes him ideal for Amorimâs aggressive high-pressing setup.
Amorim was personally involved in the recruitment process and spoke directly with VelĂĄsquez during the final stages of the deal.
> âSantiago is not just a player â heâs a fighter, a leader, and a symbol of what weâre building here,â Amorim said. âHeâs exactly what Manchester United need right now.â
The Rasmus Højlund Conundrum
While fans celebrate VelĂĄsquezâs arrival, the move raises questions about the future of Rasmus Højlund, who was signed from Atalanta for ÂŁ72 million just two summers ago.
Højlund, who showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, now faces direct competition for the central striker role. With Amorim favoring a single-striker system, both cannot start together regularly unless the formation adapts.
Reports suggest Højlund is unsettled by the signing and is seeking assurances over his role moving forward. United, however, are believed to be open to healthy competition and want both players pushing each other to higher levels.
Fan Reaction: Buzzing at Old Trafford
The United fanbase has exploded with excitement. The clubâs official announcement video featuring VelĂĄsquez walking into Old Trafford, placing the No.7 jersey over his shoulders, and whispering âLetâs bring fear back to the boxâ has racked up over 12 million views in under 12 hours.
Some fan reactions on social media:
> âThis guy looks like he eats defenders for breakfast. Absolutely what weâve been missing!â
> âWe finally have a No.7 with fire again. VelĂĄsquez looks like heâs made for war.â
> âTenacity, power, aggression, goals â welcome to the Theatre of Dreams.â
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
VelĂĄsquez will join the squad for pre-season in early July and is expected to feature prominently during the clubâs tour of the United States. His debut is anticipated in the friendly against Real Madrid in Las Vegas â a perfect stage to showcase his intensity to the world.
More importantly, VelĂĄsquezâs signing signals a new era at United â one where players are chosen not just for names or commercial value, but for fit, hunger, and mentality.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester United havenât just signed a striker. Theyâve signed a statement. Santiago VelĂĄsquez isnât here to blend in â heâs here to lead a revolution. With the No.7 shirt on his back and fire in his eyes, heâs coming for every defender in the Premier League.
Defenders beware â Manchester Unitedâs new nightmare has arrived. đĽđ´â˝
Stay tuned
for full coverage of VelĂĄsquezâs medical, unveiling, and exclusive interviews in the coming days.
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