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Manchester United Women have finalised their first signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in Spanish youth international defender Andrea Medina on a free transfer following her exit from Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Red Devils, which includes an option for an additional year. This move marks the first overseas chapter in her young career.

Official: Medina joins Manchester United

Medina’s transfer to Manchester had been anticipated for some time, with her departure from Atletico Madrid confirmed before the end of the 2025-26 season after four successful years at the Spanish club. United made the news official on Wednesday, a day after her contract with Atletico formally expired, announcing the arrival of the promising defender.

Commenting on her signing, Matt Johnson, Manchester United’s Director of Women’s Football, stated: “Andrea possesses all the technical skill, character, and determination needed to thrive at Manchester United. She is a player we have long admired, and we are delighted to add her unique attributes to our squad, especially given the strong interest she attracted from clubs across Europe.

“Although she is only 22 and still developing, Andrea already brings considerable experience. Everyone at the club is eager to support her in achieving her ambitions in the coming years.”

A strong first impression: What Medina learned from facing United

Having progressed through the youth academies of Sevilla and Camas, Medina broke into senior football with Real Betis — her childhood club — in 2018. She made her Liga F debut at just 15 years old and quickly established herself as a regular starter. After two full seasons in the Betis first team, she earned a move to Atletico Madrid at only 18.

At Atletico, Medina, who was ranked No.8 in GOAL’s 2022 Women’s NXGN list, continued to fulfil her potential while gaining valuable experience competing in high-pressure matches at the top of the table, as well as in the Copa de la Reina — which she helped Atletico win in the 2022-23 season — and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her performances also earned her a maiden senior call-up to the Spain national team in May this year.

Medina faced Manchester United three times in last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League, both in the league phase and in a two-legged knockout tie that United won. Reflecting on those encounters in her first interview as a United player, she spoke about the strong impression the club had made on her.

“Manchester United has an incredible history, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team determined to write its own chapter at one of the world’s greatest clubs,” she said. “Playing against United last season showed me how strong and united the team is, and how much the club means to its supporters. The passion from the fans who travelled to Madrid was unforgettable, and that energy has stayed with me. I can’t wait to represent you every time I step onto the pitch. I’m ready for the next stage of my career and to show my abilities in the intensity of English football.”

How Medina fits into the Manchester United setup

Medina’s integration into the United squad will be intriguing. Although capable of playing as a centre-back or wing-back, the 22-year-old primarily operates as a left-back — the position where she has gained most of her experience. United already have a strong performer in that role, with Anna Sandberg standing out last season following her move from Swedish side Hacken in the summer of 2024.

It remains to be seen whether head coach Marc Skinner envisions Medina and Sandberg competing for the same spot or fitting into the starting XI together. Notably, Medina featured more frequently as a centre-back towards the end of last season and has been handed the No.6 shirt at United, possibly indicating that Skinner views her as a long-term option in that position, or at least someone versatile enough to switch between roles as needed.

Building depth crucial as Manchester United aim to bounce back

Regardless, increasing squad depth has been a top priority for United this summer after a lack of depth contributed to their inconsistent 2025-26 campaign. The Red Devils showed flashes of brilliance, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League in their debut season in the competition and advancing to the League Cup final.

However, injuries and a thin squad — including a crucial injury to Sandberg — hindered United’s push for a top-three finish in the Women’s Super League, meaning they will miss out on Champions League football in the 2026-27 season. This reduction in fixtures makes the management of Medina and Sandberg’s playing time particularly interesting, as both will be eager to cement their place in the starting lineup.