Youri Tieleman’s transfer to Manchester United certainly looks to be a bargain of a deal, given the big-money moves of recent transfer windows. £35 million proved to be enough for Man Utd to land one of the most experienced midfielders in the Premier League.
Yet, with Tielemans being only 29, the Belgian international still has a lot of football left to offer to the club in the coming years, even though it feels like he has been around for so long.
The Belgian midfielder’s desire to take up a new challenge has certainly been the driving factor behind his move to Old Trafford. But according to Tielemans himself, one Manchester United man played a crucial role in his transfer this summer.
Youri Tielemans credits Manchester United coach for transfer
While speaking to the club’s official media (via BBC), Tielemans credited Man United coach and former player Jonny Evans for playing a pivotal role in his transfer. He said:
“Jonny has been a big influence. I think he spoke to the manager about my character and personality.”
The two were teammates at Leicester City for years before both of them departed the club back in 2023. Evans returned to Manchester United for a second spell, while Tielemans joined Aston Villa.
The midfielder played a pivotal role under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, as they finished inside the top five spots in each of the past three seasons. And he might very well be one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
Youri Tielemans’ astonishing stats
Tielemans scored a total of 10 goals and provided 25 assists for Aston Villa since joining them in 2023, adding to his tally of 28 goals and 26 assists at Leicester City. The 29-year-old also scored twice for his national side during this World Cup.
Tielemans will look to carry his quality and experience into Manchester United, as the fans are all excited to see the Belgian boss the midfield for the Reds for a few more years to come.
Although Tielemans’ injuries could be a problem going into the new campaign, as he is currently recovering from a hamstring injury which he sustained during the World Cup. But as per the reports, the midfielder should be ready to start before Manchester United’s first Premier League game.
Alongside Tielemans, Man Utd have also brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea, in order to reinforce their midfield for the new season, and manager Michael Carrick is believed to be pushing for a third midfield addition as the club carries on with their search for Casemiro’s replacement this summer.
