In a recent report from Manchester Evening News, it was mentioned that Manchester City could target Youri Tielemans of Leicester City as the midfielder is out of contract at the end of this season.
The Sky Blues will need to add reinforcements to the midfield as Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expires in the summer of 2023 and Bernardo Silva could very well exit in the summer transfer window. All in all, Tielemans could be a decent option as he comes for free.
Tielemans’ Campaign With Leicester City This Season
Tielemans has a had slow start in this campaign but has produced a few influential displays at the centre of the park. He has found the back of the net on three occasions and created one assist over 15 appearances in the Premier League.
The Belgium international has lacked productivity in the final third but remains reliable in the midfield as he is averaging 1.1 shots, 1.2 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the English first division. He has also been excellent with his ball distribution after completing 86.4% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Guardiola Pursue Him To Join Manchester City?
Youri Tielemans acts as the link between the defensive and attacking department, and he does well to transition the ball from the backline to his teammates in attack. The Leicester man is an excellent passer of the ball and has the vision to find his teammates who are on the run.
The Belgium international is also a solid tackler and doesn’t mind putting his foot into a tackle. Furthermore, he can even make some clever interceptions to win the ball back for his side. He would be a brilliant addition to Pep Guardiola‘s midfield department, especially in the holding positions.
His arrival at the Etihad Stadium would add more bite and steel to the midfield department while increasing competition in the starting XI as well. The 25-year-old can get even better over the coming years and would do well to fit into Guardiola‘s tactics of high-possession football. Therefore, the Spaniard would be wise to acquire him in the summer transfer window especially as he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
