/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64686863/1154620473.jpg.5.jpg)
Youri. Tielemans.
Welcome back, Youri!
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 8, 2019
Today, Leicester City confirmed their capture of former loanee Youri Tielemans on a 4-year deal, after a club record transfer, thought to be in the region of £40m.
The former Monaco man had already made it clear that he wanted to be with his new club in time for the start of preseason, and will now fly out to meet up with the squad in France.
The Foxes have had their hands burned by record deals in recent memory, but have very good reason to have high hopes for this capture. The 22 year old midfielder already enjoyed a fantastic 13 game spell in Leicester, after joining on loan in January.
Youri Tielemans has been directly involved in 7 goals in his last 9 #PL matches (3 goals, 4 assists) pic.twitter.com/oYkS80mhAx
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 29, 2019
It’s really no wonder the fans have been clamouring for a permanent signing since he first hit the field.
As well as great individual performances, the belgian had a transformative effect on the Leicester midfield, and team as a whole. A side unable to pick apart defences were suddenly transformed into a fluid unit, regularly creating good quality chances.
This was broken down in more detail by Michael here, and expertly predicted by a writer we can only assume to be incredibly smart and handsome here.
It wasn’t just the fans who wanted to keep Youri around either.
Tielemans immediately fit into an exciting side, developing an obvious rapport with several of the team’s young stars. Yet another worry the Foxes can cross off the list of concerns for a big money transfer.
Much like Ayoze Perez last week Youri’s has also bought into the ambition of the squad, and of manager Brendan Rodgers, to push on into the top six.
That possibility looks ever more likely, as this could very well be the move that pushes the Foxes over the top.