Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has lavished praise on Manchester United's acquisition of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million, describing the deal as the finest midfield transfer of the summer window — and an outright bargain.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel made the case for Tielemans as a complete central midfielder, citing his ability to contribute goals, threaten from set pieces, and operate comfortably in multiple positions across the midfield line.

A steal at £35 million

Mikel was emphatic in his assessment, reserving particular surprise for the fee involved. "For me, it's Youri Tielemans. Honestly, how the f*ck did Manchester United get him for £35m? That's a f*cking steal. I watched him before and during the World Cup, and you can see that this is a player," he said.

He argued that Tielemans' tactical flexibility is among his most valuable attributes, capable of slotting in as a six, an eight, or a ten. "When you have a player that can play anywhere, it gives you the variety to change the way you want to play," Mikel added.

Intelligence over pace

Addressing the one criticism often levelled at the Belgian midfielder — a lack of elite speed — Mikel was dismissive. "The only thing people can say is that he's not the quickest, but he reads the game so well. He is very intelligent with and without the ball," he said.

"He scores goals, he's dangerous from set pieces, he's brilliant on the ball, and he rarely gives it away," Mikel continued, rounding off his case by declaring Tielemans the best of all midfielders to switch clubs this summer.

United's summer business

Manchester United have made several additions under manager Michael Carrick this window. Andrey Santos arrived first — a £48 million capture from Chelsea — followed by Tielemans from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Academy signings Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson, and Cristian Orozco have also joined the club.

It is the Tielemans deal, however, that has drawn the most attention from observers — and, according to Mikel, represents the shrewdest piece of midfield business any club has conducted this summer.