Midfielder to join on a £35m fee; move comes after deal with Atalanta for Ederson broke down
Manchester United are close to signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after shelving their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
United are in advanced discussions over a deal for the Belgium international, whose contract contains a £35m release clause. Aston Villa had hoped to keep the 29-year-old and had offered improved terms earlier this year, but the clause has opened the way for a move to Old Trafford. Tielemans is understood to favour joining United despite attracting interest from other clubs.
The move follows a change in United’s transfer plans after complications disrupted an agreement for Ederson. The club had reached a deal with Atalanta worth an initial €40.5m (£35m) plus €4.5m in potential add-ons, while personal terms had also been settled. Initial medical checks were completed before the Brazilian joined his country’s World Cup squad, but further assessments after the tournament raised issues that have placed the transfer on hold.
Michael Carrick has made midfield reinforcement a priority following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season. United have already secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth £48m plus £2m in add-ons, while Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury at the World Cup has further reduced the club’s options.
Tielemans would bring extensive Premier League experience after spells with Leicester City and Aston Villa. Since joining Villa on a free transfer in 2023, he has become a key figure in Unai Emery’s side, helping the club qualify for the Champions League and win the Europa League during the 2025-26 campaign. He contributed two goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions last season.
Villa had intended to build their midfield around Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana. Those plans have already been disrupted after Onana suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while representing Belgium at the World Cup, leaving him facing a lengthy spell out.
Tielemans also played a central role in Belgium’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, captaining his country throughout the tournament. He scored twice in the 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32 but missed Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the warm-up.
United’s interest in Tielemans also marks a departure from their recent transfer approach. At 29, he offers proven experience instead of long-term resale value, but the club view him as an immediate solution in an area that has become a priority this summer.
Villa, meanwhile, are expected to strengthen their midfield with the £49m arrival of Switzerland international Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, while United could yet revisit a move for Ederson before the transfer window closes.
