Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has reiterated his happiness at the club, but did add a slightly concerning line regarding potential transfer talk.
The 28-year-old had a brilliant season last year, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, while his influence went far beyond the numbers with his ability to dictate and control proceedings from midfield for us on a consistent basis.
READ MORE: Touted Emery decision on top talent would be a disappointing Villa development
His form was rightly acknowledged and rewarded with a double success at the club’s End of Season Awards, as he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.
Having firmly established himself as a fundamental figure for Unai Emery in helping us play the way he wants and as effectively as possible, Tielemans is a pivotal presence in this Villa side along with the experience and leadership he brings, and it’s hoped that he continues to play an instrumental role in our progression and success moving forward.
While it’s not necessarily anything to be immediately concerned about, the Belgian international has raised slight concern by conceding that nothing can be ruled out this summer when asked about a potential transfer.
“I feel good at Villa,” he told the media at Belgium’s pre-match press conference, as quoted by the Express and Star. “I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the coach.
“I was constantly at a very high level and was very involved in Villa’s game. I have made progress in all areas.
“Does that make me think about a transfer? Nothing is ruled out, but I am not really thinking about that.
“I am doing well at Villa. I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the coach.”
Given his comments in totality, it certainly doesn’t sound as though Tielemans is looking for a move elsewhere, and Villa will undoubtedly want to keep hold of him for the foreseeable future having emerged as such a crucial player for us over the past year or so.
In turn, this is arguably once again PSR related in that there is much uncertainty at the club currently as we look to balance our books and avoid a sanction by meeting the financial criteria set out by the rules before June 30, while selling players is also likely to be key in raising funds to help Emery, Monchi and our recruitment team reinforce the squad with incomings this summer.
Tielemans will likely be one of the last players Villa will want to sell, but if the interest is there and a significant bid came in, will the club be in a position to turn it down?
Time will tell what happens this summer, but the expectation, and hope, is that it won’t be the Belgian midfielder who has to be sacrificed, and his comment is ultimately just a product of uncertainty given the club’s current predicament, which will hopefully be cleared up sooner rather than later.
The Talk Villa Newsletter is set for a relaunch this summer. Subscribe below for ad-free articles, podcasts, exclusive content and much more on Substack. More details to follow…Up The Villa!
