Former Leicester City forward Alan Smith expects Newcastle target Youri Tielemans to have a new club in 2023.
The midfielder is in the final year of his Leicester contract, and is on track to become a free agent next summer. That will leave plenty of clubs on high alert, while the Foxes will be panicking about losing one of their best players.
Tielemans joined Leicester permanently in July 2019, costing £35million. However, they could lose him for a lot less or possibly nothing next year.
The Belgium international had a price tag of £25million during the summer, but he could now be valued at less than £20million when the transfer window reopens in January. In a worst case scenario for Leicester, he leaves for absolutely nothing at the end of the season.
Neither situation is ideal for them. They want to keep their star midfielder, but he is seemingly unwilling to sign a contract extension.
That has led to clubs like Newcastle showing interest, and Smith believes that a Leicester exit is right around the corner for Tielemans.
Smith on Tielemans possibly leaving Leicester
Brendan Rodgers’ side were in action on Monday night. They picked up their first win of the season, beating Nottingham Forest 4-0.
The fixture was broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event (7pm, 03/10/22), with Smith on commentary duty. And he commented on Tielemans’ future during the game.
“Yeah, I mean looks like he’ll leave the club in January or next summer,” he said.
“And that would be a shame for Leicester. He’s such a talent.”
Newcastle would love to sign Tielemans
While it would be a shame for Leicester to lose Tielemans, there would be delight on Tyneside if he moved to St James’ Park.
It was recently claimed by 90min that Newcastle want to sign him and teammate James Maddison next year.
The Magpies were tentatively linked with Tielemans during the summer. He was a rumoured target on deadline day, but a move failed to materialise.
That’s a shame, as he would have been an excellent addition. But it will still be the case if we move for him in January or the summer.
However, we might face serious competition. The 25-year-old is a top class centre midfielder who could easily play in the Champions League. He is certain to have plenty of suitors given his contract situation and undoubted ability.
Dan Ashworth has a serious job on his hands if he is keen to bring Tielemans to Newcastle. We currently do not have European football, nor are we paying the mega wages that were expected after the takeover.
While Smith think Tielemans will be leaving Leicester soon, it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle can convince him to head to the North East.
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