Youri Tielemans addresses Real Madrid links as Aston Villa future discussed

Youri Tielemans insists he is fully focused on Aston Villa, but has admitted he would not rule out a future transfer if the right opportunity emerged.

The Belgium international was speaking to Sporza during an interview in Birmingham, where he was asked to respond to recent claims linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Last month, analyst Filip Joos suggested the midfielder already looks like a player destined for the Bernabéu, describing him as a blend of former Real Madrid icons Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.

Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer after more than four years at Leicester City, with Unai Emery personally playing a key role in convincing him to move to Villa Park.

After a slow start, the 28-year-old has become a regular under Emery and a central figure in Villa’s midfield. His form has not gone unnoticed, with clubs monitoring his situation amid Villa’s rise as a consistent force at the top end of the Premier League.

Earlier this month, journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported interest from Saudi Arabia, but Tielemans made it clear he had no intention of leaving for the Middle East.

When Sporza raised Joos’ comments about Real Madrid, and the suggestion that he may have outgrown Villa’s level, Tielemans was quick to play down the speculation.

He stressed that Aston Villa already represents a top environment for him, highlighting the club’s ambition and high standards. At this stage, he said, he is not thinking about anything beyond helping Villa continue their upward trajectory.

Despite his current focus, Tielemans did acknowledge that football can change quickly. With more than two years remaining on his contract, he is not actively pushing for a move, but he is also not closing the door completely.

He explained that if something significant came his way, he would consider it, while making clear that transfer matters are largely handled by his agent. For now, he prefers to concentrate on his performances rather than future scenarios.

Tielemans also touched on the possibility of a return to Anderlecht later in his career, though he was careful not to raise expectations, insisting he does not want to give supporters false hope.

For Aston Villa, Tielemans’ comments will be reassuring in the short term. While interest from elite clubs may grow if his form continues, the midfielder’s stance suggests there is no immediate desire to leave.

As Villa continue to push forward under Emery, Tielemans remains committed to being part of that journey — even if he accepts that the future, as ever in football, is never entirely predictable.

Tielemans is expected to remain a key figure for Aston Villa as they continue their push for European qualification, with any transfer talk likely to be revisited only in the summer.

Should Aston Villa move early to secure Tielemans’ long-term future, or is outside interest inevitable?