Youri Tielemans will be released this summer by Leicester City, along with six other seasoned players, in an unprecedented reorganization. This choice follows their stunning relegation from the Premier League on the final day, which was a sharp contrast to their title-winning achievements just seven short years before.
Leicester will let go of Tielemans as well as Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez, and Tete in an effort to reduce their heftiest-ever salary bill.
A bright spot for Tielemans?
Youri Tielemans probably won’t be sidelined for too long despite having a subpar season with a struggling Foxes team. The Belgian midfielder, who is currently a free agent, will surely draw interest from a number of parties. According to the Manchester Evening News, the player has long been a favorite of Manchester United, who are reportedly planning a summer bid for him.
The Redesign of Manchester United’s Midfield
The manager at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag, has been aggressively looking to strengthen his midfield ranks after a season that has been highly dependent on players like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. They frequently caused the team’s quality to noticeably decline when they were away, illuminating an unsettling lack of depth.
Additionally, it’s getting more difficult to ignore the urgent issue of aging. Eriksen, Casemiro, and Fred are all well into their 30s, which forces the United manager to give his sagging midfield some youthful energy. The team has already made a first move in this approach by agreeing to personal terms with Mason Mount, a talented Chelsea player.
More Space at United?
Even with Mount’s impending arrival, United’s midfield lineup is still up in the air. Future of Fred and Scott McTominay remains in doubt, which may allow for additional reinforcements. The possibility of signing a free agent like Tielemans may be highly alluring for United given the threat of a takeover and the ensuing budgetary constraints.
The 26-year-old attracted United’s attention when on loan at Leicester in 2019. Leicester, in a deal for almost £32m, beat them to his services from Monaco. Could Manchester United finally snag the player they’ve coveted for so long this summer? Football is a funny old game, as they say.
