Manchester United have completed the signing of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after activating his £35 million release clause.
The Premier League club confirmed the 29-year-old has signed a five-year contract, adding further experience to Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Tielemans joins United after three seasons at Aston Villa and arrives fresh from helping Belgium reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tielemans fulfils Old Trafford dream
The midfielder expressed his delight after completing the move, describing the transfer as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United,” Tielemans 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.”
Tielemans built his reputation in England after joining Leicester City in 2019 before moving to Aston Villa, where he played a key role in the club’s Europa League triumph over Freiburg last season.
Earlier in his career, he became Anderlecht’s youngest senior debutant before earning a move to Monaco in 2017.
United add experienced midfielder
United director of football Jason Wilcox believes the Belgian will strengthen the club’s midfield.
“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.”
Despite still being in his twenties, Tielemans has made 668 senior appearances for club and country, scoring 79 goals, including 15 in 90 appearances for Belgium.
