Man United sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa until 2031
Manchester, July 15
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, subject to registration, until June 2031, the Premier League club said.
He will wear the No.18 shirt when he links up with Michael Carrick's squad, ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. It is a special jersey that was long associated with another midfield man, Reds legend Paul Scholes, after he took it on from the 1996/97 season, until his initial retirement in 2010/11.
Tielemans, who has been capped 90 times by Belgium, has just returned from the FIFA World Cup where he captained his country to the quarter-finals of the competition
"It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.
"I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years," Tielemans said in a statement shared by Manchester United.
Last season, Tielemans registered seven assists for Aston Villa and helped his club to win the UEFA Europa League, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg.
Amongst attackers and midfielders, Tielemans broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes in the Premier League as well as making the second most line-breaking passes under pressure.
Earleir, United added Andrey Santos to the club on a contract that run until June 2031, with the option to extend for a further year. The 22-year-old, who has captained Brazil up to Under-23 level, won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.
Last season, he represented Chelsea 43 times and registered the highest pass-completion rate and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes of midfielders under the age of 22 in the Premier League.
Santos spent the season before on loan at Strasbourg, captaining the side on multiple occasions, scoring 11 goals and contributing five assists.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I’m more excited about Andrey Santos. 22 years old, captained Brazil U23, and those progressive pass numbers are insane. Tielemans is good, but he’s 28 now. We need young blood for the long run. Carrick building a proper project, I see! 🔥
Tielemans breaking defensive lines and making progressive passes under pressure – exactly what we missed since Carrick retired. Good signing, but 2031 contract? Hope he maintains fitness. Also, 7 assists last season is decent but we need goals from midfield too. Let's see how he adapts to Old Trafford pressure. 🇮🇳❤️
Wait, Youri Tielemans signed for United? That’s a solid move. He ran the midfield for Belgium at the World Cup, captained them to quarters. But Man United’s recruitment has been hit-or-miss lately. Let’s hope this isn’t another ‘big name, small impact’ situation. Hopefully Carrick knows how to use him.
I’m cautiously optimistic. Tielemans is class, but the Premier League is relentless. And Santos – wow, 11 goals from midfield at Strasbourg? That’s exciting. But can they both play together? Scholes and Carrick built a legendary partnership. Let’s hope this duo can recreate some magic. #GGMU 🏆
One thing I’ve learned as a United fan – don’t celebrate too early. We bought big names before and they flopped. Tielemans is good but no world-beater. And why give a
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