Manchester United agree €41m deal for Youri Tielemans as Ederson move collapses

Manchester United have reached a full agreement to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering the €41 million (£35m) release clause in his contract, according to multiple reports. The deal, first broken by insider and later confirmed by insider, means Tielemans will head to Old Trafford ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Belgian international, who turns 30 later this year, has two years remaining on his Villa deal but the release clause left the Midlands club powerless to block the move. A formal announcement is expected within the next week. The move comes after United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson fell through when the Brazilian failed his medical. The Red Devils had already secured a €58m agreement for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, but the collapse of the Ederson deal accelerated their push for Tielemans. Tielemans made 35 appearances across all competitions for Aston Villa last season, scoring two goals and adding seven assists. He becomes the third permanent departure from Villa Park this summer after Donyell Malen and Enzo Barrenechea. Villa have been dealt a further midfield blow with Amadou Onana sidelined by an ACL injury. With Tielemans leaving, Unai Emery’s side are expected to re-enter the market for a more defensive-minded midfielder. The club is also preparing to field offers for Morgan Rogers, while Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have attracted interest from elsewhere.