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Newcastle United: Magpies one ‘to watch’ for Youri Tielemans
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs says that Newcastle United are one ‘to watch’ in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in the summer.
The Lowdown: January interest
Newcastle reportedly had an interest in signing the Belgian in a cut-price deal in the January transfer window.
His contract at Leicester expires in the summer, and with no signs that he is going to renew it as of yet, he will be allowed to leave as a free agent.
The Latest: Newcastle one ‘to watch’
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs says that the St James’ Park club are one ‘to watch’ in terms of the race for Tielemans’ signature in the summer, while there is also interest from La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well as other clubs in the Premier League.
The journalist said: “There’ll be plenty of clubs looking at Youri Tielemans. Newcastle are another Premier League club to watch.
“And there’s even, I think, some interest from La Liga and the Bundesliga too in Tielemans because as soon as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, then ultimately, these type of clubs not only see a bargain because they don’t have to pay a fee, but Tielemans’ wages, by Premier League standards, are relatively modest as well.”
The Verdict: No-brainer
With Jonjo Shelvey moving to Nottingham Forest in January, Newcastle are in need of a new central midfielder in the summer, and signing Tielemans on a free is surely a no-brainer.
The Belgium international boasts plenty of Premier League experience, and at 25 years of age, he has enough resale value to make the Tyneside club not have to think twice.
Hailed as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders‘ his manager Brendan Rodgers, Tielemans ranks in the 85th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes per game. He also places in the 83rd percentile for both tackles and interceptions, 82nd percentile for shot-creating actions and 81st percentile for passes attempted (FBref).
With Shelvey gone, and with the Belgian evidently a midfielder who can be diligent off the ball and progressive with it, there is certainly a spot in Eddie Howe‘s squad into which he could slot effortlessly.
