Man United considered signing of ex-Bayern Munich star before Youri Tielemans | OneFootball

1

Manchester United reportedly considered signing former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka before they eventually opted for Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans signing

In July, United confirmed the arrival of Tielemans as their second midfield signing following the capture of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

Tielemans’ arrival came as a shock to nearly everyone, given that there had been virtually no speculation linking him to the club.

United activated his £35m release clause, which had been largely under the radar before the deal materialised. The Belgium international put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

He has started in both Premier League games of the 2026/27 season against Hull City and Ipswich Town. He endured a tough time at the MKM Stadium but showed his class last weekend as the Red Devils put Ipswich to the sword in a 5-2 triumph.

But according to James Ducker of The Telegraph, United could have ended up with Goretzka instead of Tielemans.

Goretzka signed for Villa as a free agent, most likely to offset Tielemans’ exit

Goretzka consideration

Ducker writes, “United considered a move for Leon Goretzka, who subsequently joined Aston Villa as a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich, after the collapse of a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, before settling on Tielemans after learning about his £35m release clause.”

Quite how far United’s interest in Goretzka extends is anyone’s guess. The Germany international has been a perennial name on Old Trafford’s wishlist, yet a transfer has somehow always eluded them.

Fans will likely be grateful it was Tielemans, not Goretzka, who came through the door.

In addition to Tielemans and Santos, United also secured the signature of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.

United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Everton.