Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign FIFA World Cup star Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal, as per reports. The Red Devils have turned to the Aston Villa man in their bid to strengthen their midfield ahead of a return to UEFA Champions League football.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Michael Carrick's side have decided to make a move for Tielemans, informing Aston Villa of their decision to trigger his release clause. They will pay a £35 million fee to get the midfielder from the reigning UEFA Europa League champions, having agreed to personal terms with him.
Manchester United have decided to sign Tielemans after their failed attempt to bring in Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta. They had agreed on the terms of a transfer for the midfielder ahead of the FIFA World Cup, only for his medical examination to reveal inconsistencies which made the Red Devils pull the plug on the transfer.
They have now pivoted to Belgium captain Youri Tielemans after completing the signing of midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Tielemans enjoyed a fine summer at the FIFA World Cup with his country, scoring twice as they reached the quarter-final stage. He picked up an injury while warming up for the game against Spain, forcing him to miss the clash as his country were eliminated from the competition.
With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte having picked up a serious injury during the FIFA World Cup, the club needed to bring in multiple midfielders. With Santos secured and Tielemans' signing close, they have made significant progress on that front.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to feature in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup against England. The 27-year-old centre-back was part of the Argentina squad that eliminated Switzerland in their quarter-final meeting on Saturday July 11.
Martinez has established himself as a key player and starter for La Albiceleste this summer, despite having struggled with injuries during the 2025-26 season. The former Ajax man has not missed a minute in the five games he has played in the tournament, having been rested for the dead-rubber group stage match against Jordan.
La Albiceleste will face England for a place in the final, as they hope to go back-to-back in the World Cup this summer. Martinez, who has scored one goal and assisted another, will start for his country in what is expected to be an exciting match-up in Atlanta.
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