{
  "id": 661401,
  "title": "EPL: Why I left Villa to join Man United – Tielemans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/epl-why-i-left-villa-to-join-man-united-tielemans",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T12:26:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-why-i-left-villa-to-join-man-united-tielemans/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has opened up about his decision to transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester United this summer. The 29-year-old completed a £35m move to Old Trafford after his club triggered the release clause in his contract. This marks the end of a transfer saga that had failed to materialize previously.\n\nAlthough United had previously shown interest in signing Tielemans, first during his loan spell at Leicester City in 2019 and then again in 2022, neither of these attempts resulted in a deal. Tielemans revealed that only two opportunities had been presented to him to join the Premier League giants. Reflecting on these instances, he expressed disappointment at the time, stating, “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.”\n\nDespite his calm demeanor before the move, Tielemans was well aware of the financial trigger that could have led to his transfer. Recognizing the release clause, he admitted, “But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously, I was aware of the clause.”\n\nDuring his time at Villa, Tielemans praised the club, crediting them with playing a significant role in helping him regain 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. However, he acknowledged that Manchester United represents a leap to a higher echelon of competition. \"But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,\" he added.\n\nThe Belgian international emphasized that joining United is a significant achievement in his career, but he remains committed to further success. \"It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career,\" he stated. \"But it does not end there. I want to be successful.\"\n\nTielemans is now poised to establish himself at Old Trafford and contribute to the club's pursuit of major honors, fulfilling a transfer that had been discussed twice before.",
  "summary": "Youri Tielemans reveals why he chose to leave Aston Villa for Manchester United, citing the Old Trafford club as a step above. Learn more about his £35m tr Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-why-i-left-villa-to-join-man-united-tielemans/",
  "key_points": [
    "Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans transferred from Aston Villa to Manchester United for £35m.",
    "Tielemans had two previous failed attempts to join Manchester United in 2019 and 2022.",
    "Tielemans praised Aston Villa for helping him regain his best form before the move."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Joining Manchester United marks a career milestone for Tielemans, representing a step up in competition from Aston Villa, and sets him up to pursue major honors with the club.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Why I left Villa to join Man United – Tielemans",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/epl-why-i-left-villa-to-join-man-united-tielemans-662861",
        "published": "2026-08-12T12:48:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}