Youri Tielemans has refused to rule out a transfer this summer after being linked with Manchester United for years.
Tielemans, 28, joined Aston Villa from Leicester City on a free transfer a month before United paid Chelsea an initial fee of £55million for Mason Mount in the summer of 2023. The former Anderlecht midfielder is halfway through the four-year contract he signed that offseason.
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After an inconsistent first season at the club, Tielemans was almost ever-present last term, with the club's players and supporters voting him their Player of the Season. He has now acknowledged how well he performed during a press conference before Belgium played Wales in a 2026 World Cup qualifier - while refusing to rule out a move away from his current club.
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"I was constantly at a very high level and was very involved in Villa's game," Tielemans said. "I have made progress in all areas.
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"Does that make me think about a transfer? Nothing is ruled out, but I am not really thinking about that.
"I am doing well at Villa. I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the coach."
The comments open the door to a potential move to United, should the club decide to test the waters with an offer for him.
Tielemans' individual performances were not enough to secure Champions League qualification for next season, as Villa losing at Old Trafford on the final day means they will instead play in the Europa League. In an Instagram post after that match, Tielemans acknowledged it was "frustrating to end the season this way."
A new midfielder is among United's priority targets, with Christian Eriksen set to depart the club when his contract expires at the end of this month. There is also still uncertainty over the future of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo due to their respective current contract situations.
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Tielemans, though, could complement the already-signed Matheus Cunha and the prospective arrival of Bryan Mbeumo. There is the potential for Bruno Fernandes to form a partnership with the Belgian in central midfield.
The Belgian maestro's creativity could provide an extra edge for United in attack, and help unleash Cunha's full potential at his new club.
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