Manchester United are set to break their own strict transfer rule to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The midfielder is poised to join the Red Devils after they triggered his £35million release clause at Villa Park. He underwent a medical on Tuesday morning and is set to sign a five-year contract, according to reports.
United's Transfer Policy Breached
Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously requested that United would only pursue players under the age of 25, according to The Sun. Tielemans recently celebrated his 29th birthday, meaning the Red Devils have flouted their own guidelines to secure his signature. United will also reportedly breach their recruitment guidelines with the signing of 35-year-old Karl Darlow as a free agent, following Andre Onana's loan return to Trabzonspor.
Midfield Reinforcement
Tielemans will become United's second summer signing after Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea earlier this week. These moves strengthen the midfield ranks, a goal for manager Michael Carrick heading into the window. Following Casemiro's exit and an injury to Manuel Ugarte, a third midfield signing appears likely at Old Trafford before the new campaign. Candidates include Bournemouth's Alex Scott and AS Roma's Manu Kone, the latter impressing for France at the World Cup in Aurelien Tchouameni's absence. Scott would align with United's original transfer blueprint, but the club seems to have relaxed its position on age brackets.
Attack Update
In attack, Marcus Rashford's situation is becoming clearer after Barcelona agreed to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund alongside Anthony Gordon. A permanent departure for Rashford remains possible, but reintegration into Carrick's squad and participation in pre-season is equally plausible.
