Youri Tielemans reportedly informed Manchester United of his desire to make the move in recent weeks.
According to Ben Jacobs, he told INEOS that he would be keen on joining once the World Cup had finished.
Youri Tielemans informed Manchester United he wanted to join once the World Cup finished. Tielemans also had Saudi clubs keen, but only wanted #MUFC.
Aston Villa had hoped the Belgian midfielder would sign a new deal, but powerless to stop an exit due to the £35m clause.
Andrey… pic.twitter.com/oUyHqmtlLC
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 13, 2026
Youri Tielemans on verge of United transfer
However, with Belgium’s campaign coming to an end last Friday, it has paved the way for him to agree to the switch this week.
Tielemans captained his nation through to the quarter-finals before being ruled out of the tie right before kick-off due to a late setback, with Belgium going on to lose 2-1 to Spain.
He notched a brace at the tournament when inspiring his side’s emphatic comeback against Senegal in the Round of 32, so would’ve undoubtedly been distraught that he couldn’t have an impact in their meeting with the reigning European champions.
Belgium are level! 😱
Youri Tielemans to the rescue as Belgium complete a dramatic late comeback 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/LmlCLcx6Gt
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Yet, the 29-year-old has had his time to lick his wounds and dust himself off from the loss, and he has now turned his attention to club matters.
INEOS seal swift Tielemans agreement
United have moved swiftly in their pursuit this morning by deciding to activate Tielemans’ £35 million release clause.
Aston Villa were hoping their midfield talisman would commit to a new contract to extend his stay beyond the three-year mark, but they have been made to accept defeat due to his buyout option.
Sensational from Youri Tielemans 🤯
An absolute rocket to give Aston Villa the lead in the Europa League final 🚀
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/zOZAIDXLKg
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
He signed for the Villans as a free agent in 2023 from Leicester City, where he made history by scoring the goal that won them their first FA Cup in 2021.
Tielemans has accumulated a whopping 244 Premier League appearances across his spells with both sides, so he fits the bill of a target who’s more than proven in the top flight.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| 244 | 26 | 39 | 18,785 |
TIELEMANS’ COMPETE PL RECORD (COURTESY OF TRANSFERMARKT)
The Anderlecht graduate will travel to Carrington in the coming days to undergo his medical.
Meanwhile, United have pulled out of their deal for Ederson and are waiting to announce their acquisition of Andrey Santos, 22, from Chelsea.
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