Manchester United have completed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, though what exactly has he cost? The picture is muddled, with sources putting the fee anywhere between £35m and £36m. The 29-year-old Belgium midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract and becomes the club's second most expensive recruit, behind Andrey Santos. "It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United," Tielemans said as the move went through, having won the Europa League last season under Unai Emery.
For United, this is a critical piece of business. Tielemans' injury last season knocked Aston Villa out of the title race, and few things say more about a player's importance than what happens when he is not there. In central midfield he brings creative passing and complete control of the tempo. Under INEOS, United have been hunting an experienced leader who has already done it at the highest level. Michael Carrick's side are ready to force their way back into the Champions League, and Tielemans is meant to be the main architect of that climb.
