Tielemans targets ‘biggest trophies’ after joining United

Manchester United have announced the signing of midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans for about £35m on a five-year deal, with the midfielder stating he wants to help “push for the biggest trophies”.

The 29-year-old, 90-cap Belgium international will join from Aston Villa and follows United’s recruitment of another midfielder, Andrey Santos, who is 22, from Chelsea for £48m plus a possible £2m in add-ons on Monday.

Tielemans said: “It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.

“I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years.” 

Tielemans has 90 Belgium caps and led his nation at the World Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Spain in Friday’s quarter-final. He joined Leicester from Monaco in 2019 before moving to Villa on a free four years later.

United have also signed the 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are intent on signing Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85m.

Bouaddi is attracting a host of suitors following his performances for Morocco at the World Cup finals tournament and, while the proposed fee is high for a teenager, City view him as a long‑term investment.

Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, is an admirer of Bouaddi’s technical ability and positional sense and there is scant concern regarding the ability of a 6ft 1in player to negotiate the physical challenges of Premier League football. Enzo Maresca’s plan is to integrate Bouaddi into his first‑team squad for next season.

Bouaddi started five of Morocco’s six games at the World Cup tournament this summer, including the 2-0 quarter-final defeat by France. It was only his eighth international appearance, with his professional debut coming for Lille against Ki in a Europa Conference group game in October 2023 – at 16 years and three days, that made him the youngest footballer to play in competition.

Signing Bouaddi would take City’s summer spend to £200m on two players following the £116m deal for Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have agreed a deal to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, paving the way for the 31-year-old to depart after three and a half years at the Emirates Stadium.