Youri Tielemans and the Belgian national team (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United are in the process of making a move for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to surprise exclusive information released today by David Ornstein.
An Athletic journalist wrote on X that Man United are in advanced contract talks with Tielemans, who starred at Villa and also shined for Belgium at this summer’s World Cup.
Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above apple & Google play
Hailed as “outstanding” by national team manager Rudi Garcia (via FlashScore), Tielemans now appears poised to make a big move, but this one comes a bit unexpectedly.
Ornstein has said United intend to trigger Tielemans’ £35m release clause, leaving Villa powerless to block a deal despite not wanting to sell the 29-year-old.
“Youri Tielemans will join Manchester United from Aston Villa via a £35 million release clause in the midfielder’s contract. #AVFC I had no intention of selling + I offered a new deal, but the mechanics and reasons left me with little choice. #MUFC We’re going to move forward with the transfer,” Ornstein said.
Youri Tielemans’ transfer decided after Ederson’s blowback
United will need to strengthen their midfield this summer after losing Casemiro at the end of his contract, but Manuel Ugarte was largely lacking during his time at Old Trafford and is currently injured.
Ederson appeared to be on his way to MUFC, but Ornstein confirmed his contract is off for now, even if it could be renegotiated later in the summer.
Want more catchoffside coverage? Add us Google recommended sources Add trusted news to your favorites list
Youri Tielemans finally makes a big move
Tielemans was at the top of his game at Leicester City at the time, so it may have been a little surprising at the time that he didn’t make the move to a big six club.
However, the Belgian international continues to perform at a high level for Villa and looks like he is finally getting his chance to shine at the highest level.
It will be interesting to see how Tielemans fares at United, but he looks like exactly the Premier League proven player this team needs.
