Recent reports from The Telegraph state that Brendan Rodgers is planning for Leicester City’s rebuild in the summer following a disappointing season where they are struggling to secure a finish in the top half of the table. The Irish tactician will look to sign a winger, a central midfielder and a centre back in the upcoming transfer window; however, to free up the funds and places in the squad, a couple of players are in the frame to leave the King Power Stadium this summer.
Youri Tielemans, who has just one year left on his contract, is one such player. The club values him in the region of 25million Euros, and given that Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the Belgian international, the quoted price tag should put them on alert.
In a recent interview, the 24-year-old midfielder expressed his desire to play Champions League football: ‘I don’t worry about [transfer rumours].
‘I want to get the most out of myself this season and finish as high as possible with the team.
‘Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, just like any footballer. Am I ready for a European top club? I’m ready to get the best out of my career.
‘We’ll see what happens next summer, or the summer after that.’
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Having come through the ranks at Belgian club Anderlecht, Tielemans signed for Leicester City from AS Monaco in the summer of 2019 for a fee in the region of 32 million Euros. Over the course of the last three seasons, he has made 144 appearances for the Foxes, netting 24 goals and bagging 22 assists across all competitions.
Even this season, the number 8 has managed to put up decent numbers on the board – averaging two tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.5 blocks, 2.1 shots, 1.3 key passes, and 2.3 long balls per 90 minutes in the English top-flight. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.00, he has been one of the best players on his side this term.
Should Manchester United Go All In For Him?
It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in dire need of a holding midfielder – someone with an impressive work rate, an exceptional passing range, and capable of exerting aerial dominance – and Tielemans fits the bill perfectly.
His arrival would also provide competition for the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park while opening the exit paths for Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek.
Hence, Ralf Rangnick should go all out to secure his services for the given price tag.
(Stats from WhoScored)
