Manchester United are set to wrap up a deal to sign Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans. He is player who the club could and should have signed years ago.
Youri Tielemans will finally become a Manchester United player when he wraps up a surprise move to Old Trafford.
United have activated a £35 million release clause for Tielemans, who will join Andrey Santos in signing for the the Red Devils.
Tielemans is a player had an opportunity to sign several years ago, on more than one occasion. Let’s take a look back.
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Youri Tielemans’ emergence
Youri Tielemans broke through at Anderlecht way back in 2013, making his debut when he was only 16. Tielemans then become the youngest ever player from his country to start in the Champions League.
Belgian website RTBF wrote in September 2013 that Manchester United were showing interest in emerging talent Tielemans.
The Mail then claimed that United had sent representatives to watch a Belgium under-21 game in 2013 where Tielemans was playing.
He continued to be linked, and a report from Belgian outlet DH Net in April 2016 claimed Manchester United had sent scouts to watch Tielemans in action.
It was in the 2016/17 season that Tielemans played against Manchester United in the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
Tielemans played against a Manchester United team featuring Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick, with the Red Devils going on to win the trophy.
Despite all this, Manchester United failed to close the deal.
Tielemans signed with Monaco in 2017 for £21 million, with Jose Mourinho buying Nemanja Matic for £40 million instead.
More missed opportunities for United
Youri Tielemans signed with Leicester City on loan in 2019, before completing a permanent move for £40 million.
Manchester United showed interest in Tielemans but only as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba, who was being linked with an exit.
Sky Sports reported: “His agent wanted to see what developed with Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United before committing Tielemans’ future.”
Tielemans did not want to wait on a ‘maybe’ and ended up pushing through a deal to Leicester City, where he ended up playing in the same team as Jonny Evans.
Aston Villa signed Tielemans in 2023 on a free transfer. The same summer United spent £55 million to sign Mason Mount.
2026 deal is not too late
Youri Tielemans is 29, and he has played a lot of football already in his career. He is not a long-term addition, and that’s OK.
United have long-term options with Kobbie Mainoo and fellow new signing Andrey Santos. And there are a host of talented young academy midfielders aiming to follow.
Tielemans is a signing for ‘right now’ and he will deliver. He is Premier League proven and he has just starred at the World Cup for Belgium.
He makes United better immediately, and is five years younger than Casemiro. This is an incredibly smart move from the club, better late than never.
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