Tielemans joins Man Utd, calling the Red Devils a step up
Man Utd activated a £35 million release clause to bring Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, a move the player described as a step up, saying the Red Devils sit above Villa. The transfer, completed last month, fulfills a long‑standing ambition for both the player and the club.
United’s pursuit of Tielemans accelerated after a proposed £35 million signing of Brazil midfielder Ederson fell through. With the Ederson deal stalled, the Red Devils triggered the release clause to secure the Belgian. The club sees Tielemans as a deep‑lying technician to bolster their midfield.
Tielemans had been on United’s radar before. The club considered him in the summer of 2019 when his loan at Leicester ended, and he was linked again in 2022 and 2023. He told reporters at the pre‑season camp in County Kildare that two previous talks with United did not materialise, leaving him “very calm” about the situation.
United’s long‑term interest
He said he was aware of the £35 million release clause and knew a move could materialise this summer. Tielemans called the switch from Villa Park to Old Trafford “a step up” and thanked Aston Villa for helping him reach his best level.
The Belgian added that there are clubs above Villa, naming Manchester United as one of them. He described joining the Red Devils as “a great achievement for any footballer” and stressed his ambition to keep succeeding.
What Tielemans brings to Old Trafford
Tielemans expects to work under new manager Michael Carrick, describing him as a former England midfielder with whom he felt an instant connection. He highlighted Carrick’s desire for possession and pressing, noting that his own style fits the logical approach the club wants.
Since debuting for Anderlecht at 16 years, 2 months and 21 days, Tielemans has amassed nearly 600 senior appearances across Monaco, Leicester and Aston Villa, and earned 90 caps for Belgium. He dismissed concerns about his mileage, saying his body only signals issues when they arise and he can alert the manager promptly.
The Independent, which covers topics from reproductive rights to climate change and Big Tech, reported the transfer. Its journalism has examined the financials of Elon Musk’s pro‑Trump PAC and produced the documentary ‘The A Word’ (Word') about American women fighting for reproductive rights, underscoring its commitment to American and US audiences.