Premier League club confirm midfielder’s exit amid Newcastle United & Aston Villa transfer links

Leicester City have confirmed Youri Tielemans is leaving the club at the end of his contract this month.

The Belgian midfielder moved to the King Power Stadium on loan from Monaco in January 2019 before completing a club-record £32m switch the following summer.

Tielemans made 195 appearances and scored 28 goals, including the strike that won the Foxes the FA Cup in 2021. He also represented the club in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Since turning down a new contract two years ago, the 26-year-old has come under scrutiny from the Leicester fanbase, particularly during 2022-23 following their relegation to the Championship.

“Tielemans made many memorable contributions across 195 appearances for the Foxes since first joining the Club on loan from AS Monaco in January 2019,” a Leicester statement read. “Having made the move permanent that summer, Youri will be best remembered for his magnificent winning goal in the 2021 Emirates FA Cup Final that ended City’s 137-year wait to lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium.

“During his four-year spell on Filbert Way, the Belgian midfielder has played a key role, captaining the team on a number of occasions and scoring an array of outstanding goals. Following his FA Cup Final heroics, he was named the Club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in the summer of 2021.”

Tielemans also confirm his departure on June 1 in a heartfelt message.

“Dear Leicester City fans, after four-and-a-half special years, and with a lot of gratitude, I’m bidding farewell to this incredible club,” said the former Anderlecht man.

“From the first day I set foot on this ground, your warmth and passion embraced me. Victory and triumph, love and hope, and even defeat. We’ve shared many special moments together. I’ve forever grateful for your unwavering support. “Thank you to Khun Top, the board, the staff, the players and fans for having given me and my family a home. This is not a goodbye but a heartfelt farewell. With pride, love and eternal gratitude, Youri Tielemans.”

Newcastle United and Arsenal have previously shown interest in Tielemans, though it is unlikely the Magpies will table a contract offer following a major dip in performance levels.

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the chase for his signature.