Manchester United sign Youri Tielemans for £35m

Manchester United have completed the signing of 29-year-old midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a fee of £35m. The Red Devils activated the release clause in the midfielder's contract, and he was open to joining Manchester United this summer, which helped to fuel the move.

Reports have stated that Aston Villa offered Tielemans a new contract as they did not want to see him go, but the Belgian's desire to join United resulted in the transfer happening.

Manchester United were pursuing Atalanta's Ederson prior to the Tielemans deal being completed, but after further medical checks, United pulled out of the deal. They then switched their attention to Tielemans after Belgium were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Andrey Santos has also joined Manchester United after completing a deal worth up to £50m from Chelsea. Man United wanted to strengthen the middle of the park this summer, and they are doing just that.

Tielemans, aged 29, spent the last three seasons at Villa Park, lifting the UEFA Europa League in his final European game for the club. He also scored in the final, as Aston Villa won 3-0 against Freiburg.

Upon signing for United, Tielemans said:

"When Manchester United call, you don't think twice. Here at Man United, we are determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years."

Reports have circulated that United will look to sign a third midfielder to help with their rebuild in the middle of the park.