Youri Tielemans explains his £35m move from Aston Villa to Manchester United, calling the Old Trafford club a step above his former side

Youri Tielemans has described his £35 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester United as a significant career achievement, with the 29-year-old Belgium midfielder saying the Old Trafford club represents a step above his former side.

Also read: Monaco Set to End Paul Pogba’s Contract

Tielemans completed the move this summer after Manchester United triggered the release clause in his Aston Villa contract, bringing an end to a transfer pursuit that had previously stalled on two occasions.

The midfielder revealed that Manchester United had first explored a move for him in 2019, following his impressive loan spell at Leicester City, before renewing their interest in 2022.

“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans said, according to BBC Sport.

The midfielder said he had not expected to leave Villa during the latest transfer window, having been focused on his football and Belgium’s World Cup campaign.

“I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country,” he said.

Tielemans, however, was aware that a transfer remained possible because of the release clause written into his Villa contract.

“But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause,” he added.

Despite his decision to leave, Tielemans offered warm praise for Aston Villa and credited the club with helping him recover his best form.

“I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level,” he said.

The Belgium international nevertheless believes the opportunity to join Manchester United represents an upward step in his career.

“But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,” Tielemans said.

His arrival at Old Trafford carries considerable expectations, particularly after United activated his £35 million release clause following years of interest.

Tielemans views the transfer as recognition of the work he has put into his career, but the midfielder insists the move itself is not the destination.

“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career,” he said.

“But it does not end there. I want to be successful.”

Also read: Monaco Set to End Paul Pogba’s Contract

The challenge now is to translate that ambition into performances for Manchester United as Tielemans begins a new chapter at one of English football’s most prominent clubs.