Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are all reportedly monitoring Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans over a potential transfer in the future.
Speaking on his YouTube channel (h/t Leicestershire Live), reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leicester City and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans could spark a major transfer battle in the future with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United all monitoring him.
Tielemans came through the ranks at RSC Anderlecht in Belgium and made quite the impact at a very young age, earning himself a transfer to AS Monaco in the summer of 2017. Eighteen months later, the 24-year-old was signed by Leicester, initially on a loan deal, before his signing was made permanent in the summer of 2019.
During his time at the King Power Stadium, Tielemans has established himself as one of the top central midfielders in the Premier League and had attracted strong interest from top clubs like Liverpool this past summer. However, a move failed to materialise, and he remained a part of Brendan Rodgers’ outfit. But Romano now claims that the Belgian could soon spark a major transfer war among the biggest clubs.
Behind the scenes, many clubs wanted to sign Youri Tielemans this summer. The next big battle in the transfer market next summer will be for this guy. Many top clubs were not able to approach Tielemans because the cost of the deal was really complicated. But next summer, Youri Tielemans will be one to watch.
"I am told that he is on many top clubs’ list. Real Madrid have his name in mind for the future, Barcelona the same. In England many clubs are interested. Manchester United have to decide on Paul Pogba but Tielemans is one to watch for the future for Manchester United."
Real Madrid did bolster their midfield with the signing of Eduardo Camavinga in the summer. But with Luka Modric not getting any younger and Toni Kroos also in his thirties and battling fitness issues of late, another midfield signing cannot be ruled out. While Paul Pogba remains a priority, Tielemans could certainly be a viable alternative for Los Blancos to consider.
As for Barcelona, they were on the lookout for a new midfielder all summer but were unable to add one. Miralem Pjanic left on loan and has no future once he returns, while Riqui Puig is not in Ronald Koeman’s plans. Sergi Roberto is expected to deputise at right-back again after Emerson Royal’s exit, thus necessitating the signing of another midfielder like Tielemans to compete with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Manchester United, as Romano mentions, are in a precarious position with regard to Pogba, who is in the final year of his contract. It has been claimed that the Frenchman prefers a move to Real Madrid next summer, which would leave a gaping hole in the middle of the park at Old Trafford. With Donny van de Beek not settling in as expected, Tielemans becomes an option worth looking at to replace Pogba.
However, Romano does add that Leicester will not let the 24-year-old easily and will slap a massive price tag on his head. Tielemans, though, will enter the final year of his deal in 2022, which could make things tricky.