Liverpool are ready to pay €70million to sign Youri Tielemans, who Emile Heskey has described to Goal as ‘a fantastic player.’
Georginio Wijnaldum’s move to France where he has joined Paris Saint-Germain has opened up a spot in Liverpool’s midfield which the likes of Tielemans, Yves Bissouma and Florian Neuhaus have been linked to fill.
The Dutchman’s replacement will need to be energetic, press-resistant, an accurate passer and will need to be world-class at ball recovery.
What are the links to Tielemans?
TeamTalk cites Het Nieuwsblad, who asserts that Liverpool are happy to pay Leicester City’s asking price for the Belgian.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City celebrates with the Emirates FA Cup trophy following The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Rodgers’ side is demanding between €70million and €80million which Liverpool are happy to pay even if that does sound unrealistic.
Beyond Leicester’s asking price, the midfielder is reportedly happy to join the club and after talks with the Anfield outfit, journalist Daniel Nielson claims that personal terms would not be an issue.
What does Emile Heskey think of Tielemans?
“Tielemans is a fantastic player. Tielemans is the kind of player that would suit any midfield and any team,” Heskey said.
“He excites you because he does the simple things very, very well – the simple passes from here to there and you look at them and think ‘that was crisp, that was nice’.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Mateusz Klich of Leeds United and Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on January 31, 2021 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
“That slide pass that sometimes gets cut out doesn’t with Tielemans. Because he is so crisp with his passing. He would fit into any team. I think he would suit the way that Liverpool play, but you would have to prise him from Leicester.”
Is Tielemans a good fit for Liverpool?
The obvious answer is yes. Most sides in the Premier League would be delighted to add the 24-year-old to their starting XI.
But at the same time, given that Jordan Henderson will be fit again next season and given how Thiago finished the season, Tielemans is not guaranteed a starting role under Jurgen Klopp.
With Leicester City sure to ask for a massive fee to sign their gifted midfielder, he’s not the ideal target for Liverpool.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – FEBRUARY 24: Florian Neuhaus of Borussia Moenchengladbach talks to the media after the UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg One match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Manchester City at Puskas Arena on February 24, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Christian Verheyen/Borussia Moenchengladbach via Getty Images)
It’s for that reason that Florian Neuhaus makes the most sense this summer. I reckon that the German would be prepared to fight for his place in the side knowing that the likes of Thiago are world-class but also that they’re coming to the end of their respective careers.
He plays as a deep-lying playmaker for Borussia Monchengladbach but he’d likely play as a no.8 for Liverpool and at 24, he also has the majority of his career ahead of him but is set to enter his prime in the next couple of years.
