Youri Tielemans attracting late transfer interest from Turkey

Fenerbahçe’s interest in Youri Tielemans has resurfaced, with Turkish reports suggesting Jose Mourinho has once again set his sights on the Aston Villa midfielder.

The Belgian, who joined Villa on a free transfer from Leicester in 2023, has been linked with the Istanbul club before, but this time Mourinho is said to be pushing hard for midfield reinforcements.

According to Hurriyet, Tielemans has become his top target after Fenerbahçe’s pursuit of Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma faltered, with rivals Galatasaray now favourites to land the Mali international.

The plan, it’s claimed, hinges on Fenerbahçe qualifying for the Champions League group stages — a prospect that would give them both the funds and the pulling power to tempt a player of Tielemans’ calibre.

Victory over Benfica in tonight’s qualifier would open that door, but even then, Villa’s stance looks clear: they’re not prepared to lose one of their most reliable midfielders this late in the transfer window.

Aston Villa's stance

Tielemans has quietly become a key part of Unai Emery’s setup. His ability to control tempo, link play, and slot into multiple midfield roles makes him invaluable in a side competing on both domestic and European fronts.

He’s also tied down until 2027, meaning Villa hold the cards for now if any serious offers do arrive.

From a Villa perspective, though, the situation does raise a longer-term question. By next summer, Tielemans will be approaching the final year of his contract — a point where decisions must be made. Either the club secures him on fresh terms now, reinforcing his role as a core piece of Emery’s project, or they consider a sale that could provide valuable relief under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

What Villa can’t afford is to drift into uncertainty. Losing Tielemans at the wrong time, especially in a window with so little room to replace him, would hurt both the balance of Emery’s squad and the club’s momentum. For now, Fenerbahçe may have him high on Mourinho’s list, but from Villa’s side, Tielemans looks untouchable.

Villa’s transfer activity in the final days

With just five days left before the window closes, Aston Villa need to bring in some reinforcements to bolster the squad depth. The club are reportedly remaining attentive to late opportunities and had always planned to become busy in the final week of the transfer window.

Villa are understood to be monitoring the loan market and there has been reported interest in the return of Marco Asensio and attempts to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. They could benefit with extra cover in both midfield and defence — areas that will come under heavy strain as the club juggles Premier League commitments with a European campaign.

Still, the overarching message is clear: Villa want to retain their core, protect their key assets, and avoid any destabilising late exits. That’s why, no matter how hard Mourinho and Fenerbahçe push, a Tielemans departure in these final days feels almost impossible.