Stephen Warnock has told BBC Sport that Liverpool should consider joining the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer – with the Belgian expected to leave the King Power, due to his current contract situation.
Tielemans, 25, was relegated to the bench on Saturday as Leicester suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton. The Belgium international has been a mainstay for Leicester ever since joining the club from Monaco, initially on loan.
In his three and a half years at the club, the 52-time Belgium international has clocked up a huge 162 appearances for Leicester. In that time, he has had a hand in 48 goals – scoring the winner in an FA Cup final against Chelsea.
His incredible form has seen him earn the status of one of the Premier League’s best midfielders outside the top four. A target for Arsenal, reports claim Leicester could sell for just £17million. Warnock thinks Liverpool should sign him.
“There’s been a lot made of Liverpool needing midfield reinforcements and I do agree with it,” Warnock said. “The owners will at some point have to put their hands in their pockets. Give Jurgen Klopp an extra player.
“One who stands out for me, and sort of seems like he is after a move, is Youri Tielemans from Leicester. Could he be the replacement? Someone like him, to come in in midfield and offer that competitiveness in the central positions.”
Warnock: Liverpool should consider Leicester midfielder Tielemans
Liverpool desperately need Tielemans. They desperately need a midfielder of his ilk, certainly. Some outlets claim that the Reds are waiting until next summer to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham. But can they wait?
They need a midfielder now. Two points from a possible nine, a very winnable nine, will be incredibly concerning. Bringing in Tielemans would solve one of the club’s main issues, and Tielemans would surely be keen on a move.
A player that Brendan Rodgers has described as “phenomenal”.
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