Youri Tielemans has become one of Villa's top players under Unai Emery - but back in Belgium he has been touted for even greater things
Youri Tielemans
Elite player... Villa star Youri Tielemans(Image: Connor Cunningham)
Aston Villa supporters couldn't believe they'd snapped up Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City just two years ago - and now he is being touted for a move to one of the world's top clubs.
The Belgian international has settled in well at Villa after a slow start, emerging as a vital cog in the Unai Emery machine that roared to UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualification in back-to-back seasons.
In 2024/25, the 28-year-old midfielder was instrumental once again as he scored five goals and added 10 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, prompting claims it is time he moved on to an elite outfit.
Admittedly prompted by concerns over Premier League and UEFA spending rules, Villa have not been shy is selling their top players for top dollar, usually to snap up even better replacements on loan or at a fraction of the price.
And as they get ready to usher academy graduate Jacob Ramsey towards the exit door and a £43m move to Newcastle, another Villa man is now in the transfer spotlight.
Respected Belgian broadcaster Filip Joos claims Tielemans, an Anderlecht youth product, has developed into a top-class player capable of playing for the likes of Real Madrid who would have been a perfect replacement for Toni Kroos at the Bernabéu.
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The analyst told TV channel Play Sports: "I keep saying it. If Real Madrid had signed him when Toni Kroos left a lot (of issues) would have been resolved.
"I think he’s a fantastic player. What strikes me every time is how much he can do, how much power he has. Not just in going deep, but also in defending. He’s become a total midfielder.”
Fellow analyst Frank Boeckx added: “For me, he was in the Premier League Team of the Year last season."
Kroos, a World Cup winner with German in 2014, is perceived by many as of one of the leading Galacticos of recent years. He hung up his boots after the Euros in May of last year.
His final game for Madrid came in the UEFA Champions League final, assisting Dani Carvajal from a corner in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund as Los Blancos stormed to a record 15th title.