Manchester United’s Belgian duo returns to training as Premier League clubs gear up for post-World Cup spending spree

Manchester United’s two Belgian acquisitions, midfielder Youri Tielemans and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, have reported back to training following their World Cup duties. The pair represented Belgium at the 2026 tournament before returning to Carrington, where pre-season preparations are ramping up ahead of the new campaign. The signings and what United paid Tielemans, 29, arrived at Old Trafford from Aston Villa after the club activated a release clause in his contract. The transfer was confirmed around July 14, 2026, with the fee landing at approximately £35 million. He signed a five-year deal, locking him in through 2031. Lammens, meanwhile, was the earlier arrival. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined from Royal Antwerp on September 1, 2025, for a reported fee of about £18.1 million. His impact was immediate. He made his debut on October 4, 2025, and went on to earn the Premier League Signing of the Season award for 2025-26. The broader market picture For United, getting Tielemans and Lammens back into training quickly is about more than fitness. Tielemans brings midfield control and Premier League familiarity, having spent years in the English top flight at Leicester City and Aston ...