Youri Tielemans has revealed that even he didn't see his move to Manchester United coming this summer, despite leaving Aston Villa for Old Trafford in one of the transfer window's more understated deals.
Asked directly whether he expected to depart Villa Park during this window, the midfielder's response was blunt.
Not really, no
It's a fact that's easy to overlook: United managed to sign a player with eight years of Premier League experience, seemingly at the peak of his powers, thanks to a release clause set at just £35m.
Speaking in his first interview since arriving at the club, Tielemans opened up on how the switch materialised, particularly given United had circled him more than once in the past without a deal ever coming together.
There has been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything so I was just very calm about it
It was mainly my agent that was dealing with it, I was more so focused on the World Cup which was a big thing for me. When it was time that it was accepted and acceptable, I would say then I was made aware
I was not expecting much [a summer move], to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup, trying to perform as best as I could for my country. Then every summer something can happen
Tielemans had joined Villa as a free agent following Leicester's relegation to the Championship, and throughout his time at either club a switch to one of the traditional 'top six' never really appeared close, which is exactly why the eventual move to United raised eyebrows.
So did he feel his chance at a move like this had gone?
