Sealed ; Alfie May Rejects Leeds United and Manchester United to Sign for Aston Villa in Stunning Transfer Twist
Alfie May Rejects Leeds United and Manchester United to Sign for Aston Villa in Stunning Transfer Twist
Alfie May Rejects Leeds United and Manchester United to Sign for Aston Villa in Stunning Transfer Twist
Birmingham, March 25, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events in the English transfer market, Birmingham City’s talisman Alfie May has officially completed a move to Aston Villa, rejecting interest from Leeds United and Manchester United. The 31-year-old striker, who has been in scintillating form for Birmingham City, has opted to stay in the Midlands and sign a two-year deal with Villa, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027.
The transfer has sent shockwaves through English football, particularly after reports heavily linked May with a switch to Elland Road or even a surprise move to Old Trafford. Instead, he has chosen to join Unai Emery’s side, a decision that highlights Villa’s growing status in the Premier League.
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A Career-Defining Decision
For Alfie May, this move marks the culmination of a remarkable footballing journey. Just a few years ago, he was playing non-league football, dreaming of a chance to prove himself at the highest level. His determination, relentless work ethic, and goal-scoring ability saw him rise through the ranks, starring for Cheltenham Town, Charlton Athletic, and Birmingham City before getting his long-awaited shot at the Premier League.
In the 2024-25 season, May has been a revelation, scoring 22 goals in 35 League One appearances for Birmingham City. His finishing ability, movement, and leadership have made him a fan favorite at St. Andrew’s, helping propel the Blues to the top of League One with a commanding lead.
Given his form, it was no surprise that multiple clubs lined up to sign him.
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Leeds United and Manchester United Left Disappointed
Two clubs that had been pushing hard for May’s signature were Leeds United and Manchester United.
Leeds United’s Pursuit
Leeds, who are currently fighting for promotion back to the Premier League, saw May as the perfect addition to bolster their attack. Joel Piroe’s departure to Aston Villa left a significant gap in their strike force, and manager Daniel Farke was keen on securing May’s services to spearhead their final push towards automatic promotion.
Leeds had reportedly offered Birmingham a deal worth £5 million for the striker, and personal terms had been discussed. However, May ultimately decided against a move to Elland Road, believing his ambitions lay in the Premier League rather than another season in the Championship.
Manchester United’s Surprise Interest
The bigger surprise came from Manchester United, who made a late approach for May. Despite possessing high-profile forwards such as Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, United were looking for a reliable backup option to bolster their attacking depth.
With Anthony Martial expected to leave and Erik ten Hag favoring a mix of experience and youth, May was identified as a potential short-term solution. However, despite the allure of joining one of the biggest clubs in world football, May ultimately turned down the opportunity, concerned about a lack of guaranteed playing time.
Instead, he set his sights on Aston Villa, where he felt he could play a more integral role.
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Why May Chose Aston Villa
At 31 years old, May was looking for a club where he could continue playing regular first-team football at the highest level. Aston Villa provided exactly that.
Unai Emery’s side, currently competing for a European spot, have been searching for a clinical finisher to complement their existing strike force. Ollie Watkins has been their primary forward, but with Villa playing on multiple fronts—including the Premier League, FA Cup, and potentially European competitions—depth in attack was a necessity.
Villa’s ambitious project, their attacking style of play, and the opportunity to play under Emery were key factors in May’s decision. He was also reportedly influenced by former Birmingham City players who had made successful transitions to Villa Park.
Speaking after completing his medical and signing his contract, May shared his excitement:
> “This is a dream come true. I’ve worked so hard to get to this level, and Aston Villa feels like the perfect place for me to continue my journey. I had other options, but after speaking with the manager and seeing the club’s ambition, I knew this was the right move. I can’t wait to get started and give my all for the fans.”
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What Unai Emery Said About the Signing
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was full of praise for his new signing, emphasizing May’s experience, work ethic, and goal-scoring ability as key reasons for the move.
> “Alfie is a player we have watched closely. His journey through football is inspiring, and his hunger to succeed is exactly what we need in our squad. He brings experience, leadership, and a natural instinct for goals. We believe he can be a valuable asset for us in the Premier League.”
Emery also hinted that May could feature immediately in their upcoming fixture, giving fans a chance to see him in action sooner rather than later.
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What This Means for Aston Villa
With Aston Villa pushing for a European spot, the addition of Alfie May provides them with a different attacking option. His ability to score from a variety of positions, combined with his intelligent movement and pressing ability, will make him a useful asset in Emery’s tactical system.
Possible tactical roles for May at Villa:
A backup or rotational option for Ollie Watkins
A partner in a two-striker system if Villa opt for a more attacking formation
A late-game impact substitute to bring energy and experience
His arrival also signals Aston Villa’s intent to strengthen their squad with experienced and hungry players, a strategy that has served them well under their current ownership.
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What’s Next for Leeds and Manchester United?
With May opting for Villa, both Leeds United and Manchester United will have to reassess their attacking options.
Leeds United might now turn to other Championship-level strikers or explore the loan market for reinforcements as they push for promotion.
Manchester United will likely shift focus to younger attacking options, possibly revisiting their interest in strikers such as Benjamin Šeško or Jonathan David.
Both clubs will be disappointed to miss out on May, but Aston Villa will be celebrating a transfer coup that could prove pivotal in their season.
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A New Chapter for Alfie May
Alfie May’s journey from non-league football to the Premier League is a testament to his determination and talent. His move to Aston Villa is not just a personal triumph but also a statement about the club’s ambition and ability to attract quality players.
Villa fans will now eagerly wait to see how May adapts to top-flight football, and if his goal-scoring touch carries over, he could become one of the surprise stars of the Premier League season.
One thing is certain—his incredible journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be the most exciting one yet.
