INEOS told ‘outstanding’ 28-y/o Premier League midfielder ‘absolutely’ should be on their shortlist in summer

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·24 January 2026

INEOS told ‘outstanding’ 28-y/o Premier League midfielder ‘absolutely’ should be on their shortlist in summer

Manchester United have been urged to pursue a deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans this summer.

Daily Mail journalist Nathan Salt said of the Villa star following their Europa League win over Fenerbahce on Thursday night: “People will say he’s too old and doesn’t fit the Ineos profile at 28, but Youri Tielemans should absolutely be on United’s list of midfield summer targets.

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“He’s outstanding and has been again for Villa tonight.”

Could Tielemans make INEOS’ shortlist?

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In recent months, it has already been common knowledge that the Red Devils would be on the hunt for a proven midfield signing at the end of the season, having failed to facilitate one before the term began.

Now, reinforcements in the middle of the park will take the utmost priority after Casemiro confirmed this week that he would be leaving the club when his contract expires in June.

There is also uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes’ future, as he continues to garner interest across Europe and in the Saudi Pro League ahead of his deal coming to an end in 2027 – although United do have the option of activating a one-year extension.

How Tielemans has fared in recent years

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Tielemans is as Premier League-proven as players of his age come nowadays; he has racked up 235 top-flight appearances across eight seasons with Leicester City and Villa, scoring 26 goals and assisting a further 39.

*Tielemans’ EPL record (Transfermarkt)

The Belgian international has been a mainstay under the host of managers he’s played under – of the 235 games he’s featured in, he’s started from the off in 204 of them.

When signing from the Foxes in 2023 as a free agent, Villa tied Tielemans down to a five-year deal, running until 2028.

Considering how integral he has been throughout Unai Emery’s reign at Villa Park, you’d imagine the Midlands outfit have every intention of him seeing out his contract and even beyond.