Manchester United’s midfield overhaul took another giant step towards completion with the £35million signing of Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian, who has joined from Aston Villa after his release clause was triggered, has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
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.’
Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United to become their third signing of the summer
The move comes hours after United confirmed the signing of free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who joined after a fine season at Leeds United in 2025-26, and a day after Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for £48million.
Director of football Jason Wilcox added: ‘Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.
‘Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad.
‘We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.’
Midfield has been the key area of focus for Michael Carrick and United’s hierarchy this summer following the exit of Casemiro and the serious injury Manuel Ugarte sustained at the World Cup with Uruguay.
Ederson looked set to arrive from Atalanta but that deal collapsed following an extensive second medical and United have pivoted quickly to get two deals over the line for Santos and Tielemans.
Santos, 22, has signed a five-year contract until June 2031 with the option to extend it by another year.
The young Brazilian, who cost Chelsea £18m from Vasco Da Gama in January 2023, said: ‘Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.
‘As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.
‘Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.’
Man United confirmed the signing of 22-year-old Brazilian Andrey Santos from Chelsea
Manchester United have made goalkeeper Karl Darlow their second signing of the summer
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox said of Santos: ‘Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
‘He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.
‘Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.’
