Unai Emery is reportedly keen to ensure Youri Tielemans remains at Aston Villa beyond the summer transfer window, with the midfielder viewed as a central figure in the club’s long-term plans.
According to Football Insider, Emery has no intention of allowing the Belgian international to leave and is expected to encourage the club to take steps to secure his future amid growing transfer speculation.
Tielemans has been regarded as one of Aston Villa’s most successful signings under Emery since arriving on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023.
Since joining Villa Park, the 29-year-old has made more than 130 appearances in all competitions and has become a key player in the club’s push to establish itself among the Premier League’s elite.
This season, Tielemans has again played a major role in helping Aston Villa secure qualification for next season’s Champions League, further underlining his importance to Emery’s system.
Emery Sees Tielemans as Untouchable
The Villa manager reportedly believes losing a player of Tielemans’ experience and influence would significantly weaken the squad ahead of another demanding campaign.
Recent reports have linked the Belgian midfielder with interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, while teams across Europe and the Premier League are also expected to monitor his situation if an opportunity to sign him emerges.
Despite the speculation, Aston Villa are not believed to be actively considering a sale.
Emery is now reportedly pushing the club to strengthen their commitment to Tielemans, with discussions over a possible new contract potentially forming part of those plans.
The midfielder is currently under contract at Villa until 2028.
Villa Could Still Face Summer Sales
Although Emery is determined to keep Tielemans, Aston Villa are still expected to make changes to the squad this summer as the club balances financial considerations with the need to strengthen.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been heavily linked with a departure, and Villa are already believed to be exploring possible replacements.
Several loan players could also leave permanently as the club reshapes the squad ahead of next season.
While Emery understands that player sales may be necessary, Tielemans is reportedly one player he does not want included among potential departures.
The Villa manager is said to view the Belgian as essential to the club’s ambitions moving forward, unless the player himself decides he wants a new challenge elsewhere.
With Champions League football returning to Villa Park next season, Aston Villa remain hopeful that Tielemans will continue to be a major part of Emery’s project in Birmingham.
