Liverpool transfer target makes HUGE decision on future

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 31 May 2023 22:45 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool target Youri Tielemans has announced that he will leave Leicester when his contract expires at the end of June, potentially paving the way for a summer switch to Anfield.

FootballTransfers exclusively reported earlier this month that the Reds were chasing the Belgium midfielder, 26, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Tielemans – who departs Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League – has also been strongly linked with Arsenal in the past.

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In an Instagram video thanking the Leicester fans, Tielemans confirmed his decision – which had felt inevitable even before the Foxes’ demotion to the Championship. He said: “Dear Leicester City fans. After four-and-a-half years, and with a lot of gratitude, I’m bidding farewell to this incredible club.

“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’m forever grateful for your unwavering support.

“Thank you to Khun Top [Leicester's chairman], 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.”

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>Tielemans leaves Leicester a legend

Tielemans joined Leicester from Monaco in January 2019 on an initial loan deal – before making his switch to the 2015/16 Premier League champions permanent that summer, with the Foxes paying a club-record €45m to secure his services.

For Leicester supporters, Tielemans will always be a hero: it was his incredible strike which clinched the club their first ever FA Cup victory in 2021, as they beat Chelsea in the final at Wembley.

Now, though, he has the opportunity to endear himself to a whole new fan base and prove that he still has another gear or several to find.