Tielemans Signing Benefits United but Repeats Past Errors

Manchester United’s decision to activate Youri Tielemans’ release clause stunned the football world. The club had been searching for central‑midfield depth, yet the Belgian playmaker was not on their radar until the last moment. The agreed £35 million fee looks reasonable, but many fans feel the Red Devils missed a far better opportunity earlier.

United could have taken Tielemans for free when he left Leicester in 2023 after relegation. His time at the Foxes had been anything but ordinary—starting with a loan from Monaco, he impressed enough for a permanent deal and famously netted the only goal in the 2021 FA Cup final. Despite his quality, the midfielder was let go without a fee, a move that now looks like a tactical oversight.

Missed Chance to Sign Tielemans for Free

The Red Devils had been watching Tielemans since at least 2016, long before his Leicester stint ended. Instead of revisiting the prospect, United splashed £55 million on Mason Mount. The contrast between the fee for a player who has yet to settle at Old Trafford and the value of a proven regista like Tielemans fuels the disappointment.

Beyond the Belgian, United’s recent history is littered with similar lapses. Carlos Baleba, then a relatively unknown talent at Lille, was passed over for a £30 million bid. Within a few years the same player commanded a £100 million price tag at Brighton. Even Jude Bellingham’s decision to join Borussia Dortmund rather than United is framed as a consequence of the club’s reluctance to gamble on young talent.

Other Bargain Misses: Baleba and Beyond

United’s pre‑INEOS era relied heavily on high‑priced, “proven” signings. Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro each arrived with sky‑high fees, yet none delivered at the level promised. All three have since departed as free agents, leaving the club with no return on those extravagant investments.

In contrast, Dan James shows what a smart, lower‑cost capture can achieve. Signed for £15 million from Swansea, the winger quickly became a valuable asset and later moved to Leeds United for £25 million. This type of development cycle is exactly what United is trying to emulate under its new leadership.

Andrey Santos, a 22‑year‑old Brazilian, represents a similar gamble on emerging talent. While his Premier League record is still developing, the signing hints that United are willing to invest in players with upside rather than only in established stars.

Future Outlook

Only time will reveal whether United’s shift toward younger, more affordable prospects can bridge the gap left by past mega‑deals. The club’s recent windows suggest a growing willingness to blend proven experience with promising youngsters. If that strategy holds, fans may finally see a return on investment and a competitive edge in the title race.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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