29-year-old ready to “push for the biggest trophies” after joining as the club’s second midfield signing
Youri Tielemans says the ambition from everyone at Manchester United is “extremely clear” after joining the club from Aston Villa.
The Belgium international has signed a five-year contract until 2031 after United triggered a £35m release clause in his contract. His arrival follows the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier this week as the club continue a long overdue midfield rebuild, made even more urgent by Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury at the World Cup.
Villa had hoped to keep Tielemans and offered him an improved contract, but the release clause in his existing deal, which was due to run until 2028, left them unable to prevent the move.
“It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United,” Tielemans said. “Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.
“I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years.”
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, said the 29-year-old would bring experience as well as quality to the squad.
“Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years,” Wilcox said. “He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.
“Youri’s consistency is exceptional and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.”
United had previously reached an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson and settled personal terms with the Brazil midfielder. However, the club decided not to complete the transfer after a second round of medical tests following the World Cup and instead pivoted to Tielemans.
The Belgium international joins after two seasons at Villa, having arrived on a free transfer from Leicester in 2023. He helped Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League and lift the Europa League last season, scoring twice and providing seven assists in 35 appearances in all competitions. He also scored Villa’s opening goal in the 3-0 Europa League final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul.
Tielemans captained Belgium during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, scoring twice in the comeback win over Senegal before missing the defeat by Spain after suffering an injury in the pre-match warm-up. He has won 90 caps for his country.
