Manchester United have played a blinder and are in advanced stages to sign Youri Tielemans in a deal that answers a key question.
Having signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea, followed by the deal collapsing for Ederson, Man Utd looked at a tall task to rebuild their midfield.
That question has been answered in spectacular fashion by Ineos, proving the work going on in the background by being in advanced talks for Youri Tielemans.
However, that is not the key question answered in this “saga”. That is to do with the larger point about Ineos’ philosophy at Old Trafford.
Man Utd are negotiating to sign YOURI TIELEMANS from Aston Villa? What is your REACTION?
How much is Youri Tielemans worth? How would he fit in?
Man Utd’s Youri Tielemans deal is about Project 2028
Much has been made about Ineos being stuck on signing young players who can grow and develop together, while retaining some resale value.
There was exasperation among the fanbase when Bruno Guimaraes’ links died down due to his age.
As it turns out, it was never due to a lack of ambition or perceived lack of resale value, because they are close to completing a deal for a 29-year-old Tielemans.
It’s clear that Tielemans will have no resale value if and when he leaves Old Trafford, but this is a proven Premier League contributor at the peak of his powers, who slots straight into the first XI without any fuss.
Furthermore, his reported release clause of £35m makes him an absolute steal in this wild market where potential is being sold for £100m.
Put simply, this is a “win-now” signing in the purest terms, with the expectation clear that Ineos are all-in on making Project 2028 a reality.
A Premier League title win was advertised in 2028, and all of a sudden, that doesn’t look so unrealistic anymore.
Ineos are taking a squad-building view to transfers
After years of chasing after big names, it is a refreshing change of pace to see United target correct profiles and fits for the squad instead of signing high-profile players.
WHO should Manchester United sign instead if the deal for Ederson has COLLAPSED?
Tielemans’ signing fits this template perfectly, as he’s a 29-year-old who plays for Aston Villa, hardly someone to move the marketing needle.
However, the needle he does move is a sporting one, which is the most important way to prioritise transfers.
The players will look like superstars when they play in a structured and settled team, while even superstars can look average with a scattergun recruitment policy.
Tielemans proves that strategic shift.
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