Manchester United are now set to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The Red Devils will be activating the £35 million release clause in his Aston Villa contract.
According to David Ornstein, Aston Villa wanted to hand the midfielder a new deal. However, the Midlands club have now been left with little choice but to sanction his departure.
Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023. He quickly established himself as one of the most important players in Unai Emery’s side.
The Belgian won both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season awards during the 2024-25 campaign.
He also opened the scoring as Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 to lift the Europa League trophy in 2026.
However, Belgium’s exit from the World Cup has accelerated developments surrounding his future.
Manchester United have been searching for midfield reinforcements throughout the summer window.
Michael Carrick guided the club back into the Champions League after securing a third-place finish in the Premier League.
As a result, the club hierarchy have prioritised strengthening the middle of the pitch ahead of the new campaign.
United have agreed a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, the club’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has stalled after the Brazillian reportedly failed his medical.
So, Manchester United will now proceed with the signing of Youri Tielemans after triggering the release clause in his contract.
The report states that Aston Villa had no intention of selling the 29-year-old this summer.
Nevertheless, the release clause mechanism has left the club powerless to stop the move.
With the player keen on the switch to Old Trafford, things are now progressing rapidly.
Manchester United will hope to have Tielemans before the start of the Premier League season.
🚨 Youri Tielemans move from Aston Villa to Manchester United through £35m release clause in midfielder’s contract. #AVFC had no wish to sell + offered new deal but left with little choice due to mechanism & #MUFC set to proceed on transfer @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/KbWwD1jxov
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 13, 2026
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