Youri Tielemans is set to turn down a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, opting to continue his career at Aston Villa. Insights from Mick Brown, a former senior scout for the club, suggest that the Belgian midfielder is content with his current role under manager Unai Emery and has no immediate plans to depart Villa Park.
Brown shared these insights during an interview with Football Insider. He highlighted Tielemans' desire to build on his Champions League experience following a standout season with Villa. The midfielder has made 52 appearances across all competitions this season, establishing himself as a pivotal player and the outfield player with the most minutes on the pitch for the club.
As Aston Villa gear up for a transformative summer, which may see the departure of some key players, Tielemans is expected to remain integral to the team's plans moving forward. Financial analyst Stefan Borson, previously associated with Manchester City, noted that the club may need to offload some stars to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules. However, Tielemans is not viewed as expendable.
"Youri Tielemans isn't interested in leaving Villa," Brown stated. "He's done very well there, particularly this season, and he's very happy. Unai Emery has built a strong relationship with him, and he’s become a key part of his starting XI and a significant element of their plans for continued progress."
The ambition at Villa Park is firmly focused on securing another Champions League spot. Brown remarked, “Why would he want to leave now and go to Saudi? The only thing would be money. But from what I hear, he’s happy there and wants to keep playing for Villa in the Premier League and in the Champions League.”
Amidst speculation regarding potential exits from the squad, Aston Villa are also actively pursuing new signings to enhance their squad. Brown previously noted the club's efforts to identify replacements for players like Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Ollie Watkins, all of whom may attract interest this summer. However, the challenge of securing their targets could pose significant hurdles for Emery and his recruitment team.