Manchester United are close to signing Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans, paying a £35m release clause in his contract to take him from Villa Park to Old Trafford.
Youri Tielemans has emerged as a Manchester United transfer target (Image: Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Manchester United are close to signing Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans for £35m, but Atalanta midfielder Ederson is currently off-contract.
As United prepare for next season, there have already been rumors of a number of new signings this summer, particularly in midfield. Following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s injury during the World Cup, the Red Devils have stepped up efforts to add reinforcements to the center of the park.
Chelsea’s Andrei Santos is aiming to join the club in a £50m deal, while United have made a hasty decision to sign Tielemans from Villa, with the move also nearing a conclusion. Tielemans has backed a move to United this summer despite interest from other clubs and offers from Unai Emery’s side for a new contract, but is close to agreeing a move to Old Trafford to end his three-year spell at the Midlands club.
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The 29-year-old’s contract at Villa Park runs until the summer of 2028, but a £35m release clause means United will move quickly after Belgium’s World Cup campaign ends. Tielemans captained the Belgian national team, scoring two goals and reaching the quarter-finals.
After Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup at the hands of France last week, Tielemans heads off for the summer break and the United leadership has made a move.
United’s move comes as a bit of a surprise, but given his Premier League background, he is a perfect fit for the current transfer structure and adds quality and experience to the club’s midfield.
Youri Tielemans helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals and is now set to join Man United (Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Tielemans’ transfer raises further questions about the transfer of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, the Brazilian international.
United had reached a deal worth £35m and a further £3.8m to sign Ederson earlier this summer, before he played in the World Cup.
However, United have held off on signing him permanently after a knee problem surfaced, and United have now backed away from sealing his signature for now. However, depending on what happens over the next seven weeks or so, there is a good chance United could reconsider at a renegotiated price over the summer.
However, while it seems highly unlikely that Ederson will be in United manager Michael Carrick’s side next season, Aston Villa’s No. 8 will be in action at Old Trafford next season.
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