Youri Tielemans has admitted he did not expect to leave Aston Villa this summer, making his eventual move to Manchester United one of the more unexpected transfers of the window.
The Belgium international has now lifted the lid on how the switch came together, revealing that previous conversations with United had failed to produce a deal.
This time, however, everything moved quickly.
Manchester United reportedly activated Tielemans’ £35 million release clause to secure a midfielder with eight years of Premier League experience and, arguably, plenty still to offer at the highest level.
For Tielemans, the transfer was far from something he had been planning.
“There has been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything so I was just very calm about it,” Tielemans said.
“It was mainly my agent that was dealing with it, I was more so focused on the World Cup which was a big thing for me. When it was time that it was accepted and acceptable, I would say then I was made aware.”
Tielemans explained that his attention was firmly on representing Belgium rather than finding a new club.
With his future at Aston Villa seemingly settled, the midfielder was not actively searching for an exit.
“I was not expecting much [a summer move], to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup, trying to perform as best as I could for my country. Then every summer something can happen.”
That relaxed approach makes the speed of his eventual transfer even more striking.
Tielemans had previously attracted interest from Manchester United, but earlier discussions never reached the point of an agreement. The latest opportunity, however, proved impossible to ignore.
The move also represents a major step after several years in which Tielemans’ career trajectory had taken a different route from the traditional Premier League elite.
He joined Aston Villa as a free agent after Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship.
During his time at Villa, the midfielder rediscovered his consistency and became an important part of a team capable of competing in Europe.
That progress eventually put him back on the radar of one of England’s biggest clubs.
But did Tielemans ever feel his chance to join a traditional top-six club had disappeared?
His answer was straightforward.
“Not really, because I know that at Villa we did amazing things,” Tielemans explained.
Although Tielemans has now moved on, there is no bitterness towards Aston Villa.
The Belgian credits the club with helping him rediscover his best form and achieve success on the European stage.
“We achieved the Europa League win which was great for the club but there are still clubs above Aston Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
For Tielemans, the next chapter comes at a club where expectations are significantly higher and every performance will be scrutinised.
Yet he believes the current mood around Old Trafford can help United build something positive.
“Especially at this moment, there is a very positive mood in and around the club so I am just hopeful that we can have a great story together.”
And despite leaving Villa, Tielemans has made it clear that his appreciation for his former club has not changed.
“Aston Villa is a great club and I owe them the world. They have put me back at my best level so I am very thankful.”
Tielemans’ Manchester United move may have surprised even the player himself, but the timing could prove significant.
He arrives with Premier League experience, European pedigree and a renewed confidence in his game.
Now comes the bigger challenge: turning an unexpected transfer into a successful Manchester United story.
Tielemans wasn’t planning the move. United made sure it happened.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
