Monaco beat Manchester City and United to sign highly-rated Anderlecht midfielder Youri Tielemans

The 20-year-old, already a full Belgium international, caught the eye of a number of high profile clubs has signed a five-year deal with the French champions

Ben Burrows
Wednesday 24 May 2017 20:26 BST
Comments
Youri Tielemans has snubbed interest from all over Europe to sign for Monaco
Youri Tielemans has snubbed interest from all over Europe to sign for Monaco (Twitter / @ytielemans)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Monaco have beaten off stiff competition from across Europe to land highly-rated midfielder Youri Tielemans from Anderlecht.

The 20-year-old, already a full Belgium international, caught the eye of a number of high profile clubs including Premier League Manchester City and Manchester United.

But he has instead chosen the Champions League semi-finalists penning a five-year deal with the French champions at the Stade Louis II.

"Monaco is a club with an ambitious project, recognised on the European stage, and which relies on young players," he told his new club's website:

"I am very happy to be here. I will now do everything possible to progress here and repay the confidence the club have shown in me."

Tielemans scored 13 league goals for Anderlecht this season and was a key player as the Brussels side reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they lost to Manchester United.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev added: "Youri won the Belgian championship and was voted the best player. He was courted by very big clubs but it is Monaco with whom he chose to make progress.

"We are very happy because it proves the increasing attractiveness of our project. His arrival is in line with our strategy of recruiting talented young players.

"This strategy, which allowed to win the French title and get to the last four in Europe, is bearing fruit.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in