Manchester United have completed the signing of Belgium international Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a deal worth £35 million, with the experienced midfielder declaring he is ready to help the club compete for the biggest trophies.
The 29-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, becoming United’s second midfield signing of the summer after the £50 million arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Read Also: Man United seal £50m Andrey Santos deal from Chelsea
United activated Tielemans’ £35 million release clause, with the move finalised after the midfielder helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup.
‘I’m proud to join Manchester United’
Speaking after completing the transfer, Tielemans expressed his excitement at joining one of England’s biggest clubs.
“It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United,” he 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.”
Premier League experience
Tielemans arrives at Old Trafford after three seasons with Aston Villa, having previously established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders during his spell at Leicester City.
He famously scored Leicester’s winning goal against Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final before later helping Aston Villa lift the Europa League title.
The midfielder began his senior career at Anderlecht, making his professional debut at just 16 years and 82 days, before moving to Monaco in 2017.
Despite still being in his twenties, Tielemans has amassed 668 senior appearances for club and country, scoring 79 goals, including 578 club appearances.
Wilcox hails new signing
Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox described Tielemans as a key addition 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.”
World Cup injury cuts campaign short
Tielemans impressed for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Senegal before converting the extra-time winner from the penalty spot in a 3-2 victory.
However, his tournament ended in disappointment after suffering an injury during the warm-up before Belgium’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Spain.
The move ends his three-year stay at Aston Villa, where he made 134 appearances, scored 10 goals, and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders.
Tielemans joins Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow among Manchester United’s summer arrivals as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
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