Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after their move for Atalanta's Éderson fell through. Jason Wilcox, United's director of football, is in advanced talks with Villa regarding a financial package for the 29-year-old midfielder.
Tielemans' Release Clause and Career
Tielemans, who captained Belgium at the World Cup and has 90 caps, is thought to have a £35m release clause in his contract, which has two years remaining. He joined Leicester City from Monaco in 2019 before moving to Villa on a free transfer four years later. Belgium reached the World Cup quarter-finals, where they lost 2-1 to Spain.
United's Midfield Overhaul
With Casemiro having departed at the end of last season and Manuel Ugarte considered a squad player, manager Michael Carrick is overhauling his midfield. A £48m plus £2m add-ons deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos was confirmed on Monday, and Éderson was set to be the second midfield signing. However, the proposed £38m transfer was called off after the 27-year-old Brazilian's medical. United could return for Éderson later in the window.
Shift in Transfer Policy
United's intent to recruit Tielemans signals a shift in transfer policy given his age means he will have little or no sell-on value. He would also represent a notable loss to Villa, especially after compatriot Amadou Onana sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury at the World Cup. Villa appear set to bolster their midfield with the £49m signing of Switzerland's Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.
