Manchester United Turn to Tielemans After Failed Brazilian Midfielder Deal

Manchester United had planned to sign 27-year-old Brazilian international Ederson from Atalanta, but the €45 million deal collapsed due to medical reasons. Atalanta now intends to offer Ederson a new contract.

Soon after, United decided to activate the release clause in the contract of 29-year-old Belgian central midfielder Youri Tielemans, paying €41 million. Although Aston Villa was preparing to offer Tielemans a new deal, United exercised the clause. Tielemans, an Anderlecht academy product, previously played for Monaco, Leicester, and joined Aston Villa as a free agent in 2023. In the Premier League, he has recorded 26 goals and 38 assists in 244 appearances, though last season was his first without a goal (0+4 in 25 games). For Belgium, he has 90 caps and 15 goals; at this World Cup, he scored twice in five matches but missed the quarterfinal against Spain due to injury.

United are looking to sign another central midfielder. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will be without injured Amadou Onana for a long time but have already strengthened by signing Swiss talent Joane Manzambi from Freiburg, who impressed with 3 goals and 2 assists in four World Cup games. Freiburg could receive up to €70 million including bonuses. Additionally, French left-back Lucas Digne is likely to leave Aston Villa, returning to PSG for just under €10 million.