United In Focus takes a look at how the Belgian press reacted to Youri Tielemans’ transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester United.
Youri Tielemans will complete his move to Manchester United shortly. The midfielder is set to undergo a medical after United activated his £35 million release clause.
It is 13 years on from United’s first interest in Tielemans, who broke into the Anderlecht team when he was only 16.
Tielemans has 90 international caps for Belgium, recently scoring twice at the 2026 World Cup. There has been considerable interest in his homeland in his sudden switch to United.
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Reaction to Tielemans move
Youri Tielemans has proved to be a consistently strong performer at club and international level over the past decade, earning plenty of plaudits.
Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad note the strategy from United, and the frustrations at the club he is leaving behind.
Their report reads: “United is not buying potential, but a proven mainstay. That is also precisely why Aston Villa actually didn’t want to let him leave at all.”
They also reflect on the passing qualities he will bring to the team, “Tielemans’ qualities should not be underestimated either.
“In recent seasons, the entire build-up at United rested too often on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes. Tielemans is exactly the type of midfielder who can share that burden.”
Sporza reflect on his strong showing for Belgium in the US: “Reward after heroic performance at the World Cup? Youri Tielemans on his way to making long-awaited top transfer to Manchester United.”
HLN also add: “Tielemans had been on Manchester’s wish list for years, but after the transfer of Ederson (Atalanta) fell through, everything accelerated.”
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The Anderlecht bonus
There is additional interest in Belgium regarding Tielemans’ transfer, because his former club Anderlecht are set to profit.
Anderlecht will receive a small percentage of the transfer fee under the FIFA Solidarity Payments because of their role in developing him.
De Standaard report that Anderlecht could net around £1 million from the deal.
“The Brussels club can expect the largest share of that solidarity contribution. According to calculations, the purple and white would receive €1,440,000 when the transfer is definitively completed.”
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