The transfer market next season should have lots of quality players available, but teams looking for midfield depth could be particularly excited about names that could potentially be on the market this summer.
Ivan Rakitic is rumoured to be on his way out of Barcelona. One of Toni Kroos / Luka Modric will definitively leave Real Madrid. Ilkay Gündogan might not extend his deal with Manchester City, meaning The Citizens could sell him in the coming months. But even though all those players are quality names on their own, one particular name should have several top sides vying for his signature.
He goes by the name of Youri Tielemans.
Who’s this Belgian midfielder everyone talks about?
Some might think Tielemans could be close to his prime since he’s been mentioned in transfer rumours for quite a while. However, the Leicester City playmaker is only 21 years old, and has several years left before even reaching his prime.
A former Anderlecht and Monaco standout, the Belgium international is now plying his trade in the Premier League representing Leicester City. Many believed he would’ve had a difficult time adjusting to the pace and intensity in England, but Tielemans has proven his doubters wrong one more time.
One would think – why Leicester would part ways with such a diamond in rough? And the reality is simple. He’s on loan at The Foxes and must go back to Monaco for the 2019-20 season. However, Les Monegasques are open to sell him in order to get fresh funds. After all, the Ligue 1 giants must bolster the side on both sides of the ball.
Leicester own a clause that would allow him to purchase Tielemans for a reported €40 million. However, they’re not likely to spend that much money in a central midfielder, considering they own decent depth at the position. Yes, Tielemans would be an upgrade over their current in-house alternatives. But teams like Leicester simply can’t spend that much money in one player just because the chance presents itself.
So… which teams could use him?
Given the injury history of players such as Harry Winks, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko, he would be a good addition for Tottenham. Manchester City could also target him as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, especially if Gündogan leaves the side as well. Manchester United could also have room for him. After all, Nemanja Natic isn’t getting any younger and Ander Herrera might join PSG next summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal are well covered in midfield, so they’re out of the question. Plus. who knows what will happen with Chelsea and their transfer ban?. But even if the sanctions are lifted, Chelsea already have Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante. It would be redundant if they go after Tielemans as well.
Truth be told, most top sides in the world could use someone like Tielemans. Don’t be surprised if there’s a bidding war for his services next summer.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
