Youri Tielemans opens door to Aston Villa exit with new transfer admission
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans could be on the chopping block this summer.
Tielemans has been an important cog in Unai Emery’s midfield, but the Villans’ battle with profit and sustainability rules means that the Belgian could be sold.
Now, while on international duty, the Aston Villa Player of the Season has dropped a hint.
Tielemans doesn’t rule out move away from Aston Villa
Tielemans, 28, signed for Villa on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023.
The Belgium international scored two and assisted six in his first season at the Midlands club, replacing Douglas Luiz in the process.
Tielemans then carried his consistency into the Champions League in his second season at Villa Park, helping the Villans reach the quarter-finals.
Ultimately, Aston Villa’s 3-2 second-leg victory against Paris Saint-Germain wasn’t enough to overturn their two-goal deficit, as they missed out on the semi-finals, 4-5 on aggregate.
Tielemans has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia this summer and has refused to rule out a move away from Villa.
“I feel good at Aston Villa, I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the coach,” he said via X.
“I was constantly at a very high level and was very involved in Villa’s game. I’ve made progress in all areas.
“Does that make me think about a transfer? Nothing is ruled out, but I’m not really thinking about that.”
Tielemans was a substitute in Belgium’s 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, and the Red Devils face Wales in a World Cup qualifier on 9 June, before Tielemans returns to England for his summer break.
Tielemans leaving would be huge loss for Aston Villa
Villa could face a tricky summer as they contend with PSR, with Monchi and the boardroom not shy to share their hatred for the regulations.
| Tieleman’s Aston Villa stats across the last two seasons | Total |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Average Sofascore rating | 7.38 |
Losing Tielemans could compound their misery as they fight to keep their key assets.
The Villans could lose Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Martinez this summer, and can’t risk losing another regular starter.
Emery has changed his transfer strategy, as he looks to pay cheaper fees for young talent, which has worked perfectly several times in his career.
Villa no doubt face a difficult upcoming season, but a big factor in how well they do will be whether they keep Tielemans and those around him.