The Anderlecht midfielder could finally make a move to the Premier League in the summer, with Everton one of the sides linked.
Regardless of whether or not Youri Tielemans would view Everton as a convenient stepping stone and a comfortable means of making the transition from the humble surrounds of the Belgian league to the harsh, unforgiving habitat of top level English football, signing the 19-year-old would still represent a huge coup for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Tielemans, who said recently that he would conside a move to Goodison Park, as reported by the International Business Times, is no ordinary 19-year-old after all. He’s already played comfortably more than 100 senior games having made his professional debut three years ago and, with 17 goals to his name in all competitions and a further 10 assists, the Belgian wonderkid is enjoying the most prolific season of his short career with Anderlecht.
Although don’t expect him to remain in one of Europe’s more modest leagues for long, as reported by Dutch publication Het Belang Van Limburg.
“I think this season I have taken a step forward,” Tielemans said after being asked whether he would consider a move in the summer.
“There is more regularity in my game and I’m important to the team. My teammates have confidence in me and give me the ball more often to make the game. Therefore, I also get good statistics.”
Incredible statistics. The Daily Star claim that Tielemans would cost up to £22 million, a huge fee for a teenager who has only plied his trade in Belgium.
Yet, Everton would be paying for potential and few players in Europe have quite so much of that as the two-time Belgian international.
Tielemans may not remain at Everton for life but, if he continues to progress at his current rate, he could be worth double, even triple that fee after one or two seasons under the Premier League microscope.
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