Manchester United has officially signed midfielder Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
After a successful three-year stint at Villa Park, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s Europa League victory last season, Tielemans has made the switch to Old Trafford. This move comes after United activated the £35 million ($47 million) release clause in his contract, as reported by ESPN sources.
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The 29-year-old has made a mark on the international stage this summer, notably scoring twice in Belgium’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in the round of 32 at the World Cup.
“I am incredibly proud to be joining Manchester United,” Tielemans expressed in a statement on the club’s official website. “Signing for such an iconic club is a dream come true and the result of years of hard work since I first fell in love with football.”
“Having achieved success in my career, I am now even more determined to pursue greater accomplishments. The ambition shared by everyone at the club is very clear; we are all committed to chasing the biggest trophies in the years ahead.”
He will join Andrey Santos in enhancing United’s midfield this summer, with Santos’ signing from Chelsea announced on Monday.
“Youri has consistently proven to be one of the top midfielders in the Premier League for the past seven years,” said United’s director of football Jason Wilcox. “He possesses not only the technical skills but also the ambition and mentality necessary to thrive at Manchester United.”
Additionally, United confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds on Tuesday, securing him on a two-year contract with an option for a third year.
This report was contributed to by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.