Youri Tielemans has revealed that Manchester United’s decision to sign him this summer came after two previous attempts to bring him to Old Trafford fell through.
The Belgium midfielder had first attracted United’s attention in 2019 after impressing during an initial loan spell at Leicester City.
The club also considered signing him in 2022, but their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona took priority and ultimately prevented a move for Tielemans.
This time, however, United moved decisively.
While Tielemans was representing Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, the Premier League giants triggered his £35 million release clause and secured his signature on a five-year contract from Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old admitted he was not expecting a move to materialise this summer despite knowing about the clause in his contract.
“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans said.
“I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country.”
The midfielder said he remained aware that his release clause could attract interest, but was concentrating on his performances for Belgium.
“But you know every summer something can happen and obviously I was aware of the clause.”
Tielemans grateful to Aston Villa
Despite completing his move to one of England’s biggest clubs, Tielemans was keen to pay tribute to Aston Villa for helping him rediscover his best form.
He joined Villa on a free transfer from Leicester in 2023 and became an important figure under Unai Emery.
“I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things and they have put me back to my best level,” he said.
However, Tielemans acknowledged the scale of the opportunity presented by Manchester United.
“But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
The Belgian midfielder is now determined to make the most of his long-awaited move to Old Trafford.
“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.”
