Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool prepare genuine attempt for coveted Leicester City star to ignite triple transformation

Youri Tielemans, Leicester midfielder, celebrates a goal against Arsenal with James Maddison in Premier League game

Liverpool are hoping to make Leicester City star Youri Tielemans the first of three midfielders they sign this summer, a report has claimed.

Liverpool’s midfield is in need of an overhaul as James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain approach the end of their contracts. In turn, Football Insider has indicated they plan to bring in three new faces for the department.

It would be long overdue, after Liverpool neglected their midfield in many recent transfer windows. But after a season of inconsistency, there is a recognition they need to refresh.

Therefore, there have been links with a number of potential midfield targets. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now preparing to compete for the signature of Tielemans from Leicester.

The Belgium international will become a free agent in the summer, which makes him an appealing target. His upcoming status as someone available for a free transfer has seen him linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Until recently, Premier League leaders Arsenal have been classed as the favourites to sign the former Monaco man.

But Liverpool are in the race to offer him the next step as well. As the report explains, they believe he would be an excellent choice when considering his ability and lack of transfer fee.

Hence, in theory his arrival could kickstart Liverpool’s rebuild in midfield. That said, they face strong competition to secure his services.

Liverpool will need to put themselves in the best position possible to convince Tielemans they are the place to be. The report does not mention what his main motivations are in terms of finding a next club.

But after 187 appearances in a Leicester shirt, Tielemans has earned the opportunity to represent a bigger club. Furthermore, at the age of 25, he should be preparing to spend his prime years at the highest level possible. Hence, extending his time with the Foxes is deemed to be highly unlikely.

Tielemans to Liverpool could tick boxes for both parties

Liverpool should remain an attractive destination for players, even if they miss out on Champions League qualification. Therefore, they will be hoping they can win the race for Tielemans.

In theory, he might be one of the easier names to bring in this summer. Since he will become unattached at the start of July, there will be no need for club-to-club negotiations.

Still, Tielemans will likely have offers to listen to from all over. One thing that is clear is that Liverpool should be among the clubs providing them.

If he does choose a move to Liverpool, Tielemans should be able to inherit a starting role. Other than the trio who could leave Liverpool as free agents, there have been questions about the form of other existing options like Fabinho.

Moreover, Tielemans might be more of a long-term solution than Jordan Henderson or Thiago Alcantara, who are both in their thirties.

Tielemans has played 29 times in all competitions for Leicester this season. Along the way, he has contributed four goals and one assist. Hence, he could be a useful player to upgrade the Liverpool midfield.

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