7M - Man Utd Trigger 35M Release Clause for Aston Villa Star

MANCHESTER, UK — Manchester United are closing in on a remarkable summer transfer hijack after activating the £35m (€41m) release clause in Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans' contract, according to an exclusive report from The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The Red Devils pivoted rapidly to the 29-year-old Belgian international after walking away from a deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, who failed a medical last week. Seeking immediate, battle-tested quality to rebuild their central engine room, United's recruitment team identified Tielemans as the ideal low-risk solution capable of delivering instant impact without requiring an adaptation period to the Premier League.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery had been eager to build his upcoming campaign around Tielemans—who proved instrumental during Villa’s Europa League title triumph last term. While Villa were preparing a fresh contract extension to protect his long-term valuation, the trigger mechanism in his current contract left the West Midlands club powerless to stop the move once United met the clause.

Personal terms are understood to be fully agreed, with the player eager to finalize his move to Old Trafford. Medical assessments and final documentation are expected to be completed shortly as United secure their second major midfield reinforcement of the summer window.