Manchester United agree £35m deal to sign Youri Tielemans – report

Manchester United are closing in on the surprise signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after triggering the midfielder’s £35 million release clause.

The club moved quickly for the 29-year-old Belgian international after a proposed transfer for Atalanta midfielder Éderson collapsed, making Tielemans their new priority in midfield.

The deal progressed rapidly, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano giving it his trademark “Here we go” confirmation.

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Manchester United trigger £35m release clause

Manchester United activated the £35 million release clause in Tielemans’ contract, leaving Aston Villa with no option to block the move or negotiate a higher transfer fee.

Tielemans has agreed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford, keeping him at the club until June 2031.

He is also expected to receive a wage package that mirrors or exceeds the reported £150,000 per week he earned at Aston Villa.

Medical scheduled before official announcement

The Belgian midfielder has already arrived in Manchester and is scheduled to undergo his routine medical examinations on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

Manchester United are expected to formally announce the signing within the next 24 hours.

Why Manchester United signed Tielemans

United’s move for Tielemans came after their proposed £37 million transfer for Atalanta midfielder Éderson broke down at the final stages following his medical.

The collapse of that deal forced manager Michael Carrick to look elsewhere as he continues reshaping Manchester United’s midfield.

Tielemans’ arrival forms part of a wider rebuild following the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro.

Midfield overhaul continues

Tielemans will become Manchester United’s second major midfield signing of the week after the club officially completed the £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea on Monday.

The additions underline Carrick’s intention to rebuild the heart of his squad ahead of the new season.

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Blow for Aston Villa

Tielemans’ departure represents a significant setback for Aston Villa.

Manager Unai Emery had hoped to keep the experienced Belgian midfielder, but the activation of his release clause meant the club had no control over the transfer.

Villa’s midfield has also been weakened after Amadou Onana suffered a ruptured ACL at the FIFA World Cup, increasing the challenge of replacing one of their key players.

United still linked with more midfield reinforcements

Manchester United’s summer transfer business may not be finished.

Reports from the Manchester Evening News suggest the club remain interested in signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who is valued at £80 million.

If the move materialises, Scott could join Tielemans and Andrey Santos as part of United’s new-look midfield.

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