Youri Tielemans was only interested in joining Manchester United this summer, as being a Red Devil has been a childhood dream for the Aston Villa midfielder – a fact proven by the big-money moves he turned down elsewhere.
In the increasingly transparent transfer market, there are few deals that catch fans and reporters alike by surprise – but the £35 million capture of Tielemans is certainly one.
Having agreed to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million last week, after a similar £39 million arrangement was struck with Atalanta for Ederson, Manchester United were expected to be welcoming two new Brazilians to Old Trafford.
But in an explosive twist, INEOS pulled the plug on their pursuit of Ederson after a failed medical, while quickly pivoting towards Tielemans after it emerged the Belgium international had a £35 million release clause in his contract at Villa Park.
The Villans did not want to lose their 29-year-old maestro, even going as far as to offer the Europa League winner improved terms in the hope of fending off his suitors by removing the clause. But Unai Emery’s side were powerless to stop United striking a deal after they received the green light from the player, who is understood to be excited to play under Michael Carrick.
In the increasingly transparent transfer market, there are few deals that catch fans and reporters alike by surprise – but the £35 million capture of Tielemans is certainly one.
Having agreed to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million last week, after a similar £39 million arrangement was struck with Atalanta for Ederson, Manchester United were expected to be welcoming two new Brazilians to Old Trafford.
But in an explosive twist, INEOS pulled the plug on their pursuit of Ederson after a failed medical, while quickly pivoting towards Tielemans after it emerged the Belgium international had a £35 million release clause in his contract at Villa Park.
The Villans did not want to lose their 29-year-old maestro, even going as far as to offer the Europa League winner improved terms in the hope of fending off his suitors by removing the clause. But Unai Emery’s side were powerless to stop United striking a deal after they received the green light from the player, who is understood to be excited to play under Michael Carrick.
4 months ago
