Youri Tielemans: Leicester sign Monaco midfielder

Leicester have signed Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans from Monaco on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be a club record €45m.

Youri Tielemans. Photo credit: AS Monaco

Tielemans, 22, scored three goals and provided four assists in 13 Premier League appearances on loan at the Foxes last season.

He is Leicester’s third summer signing after Ayoze Perez from Newcastleand James Justin from Luton.

“I really can’t wait to get started again with this club,” said Tielemans.

“I believe that we have the talent in our squad to achieve something special and for any player, that’s an exciting thing to be a part of.”

Tielemans became Claude Puel’s final signing as Leicester boss when he joined on loan in January.

Puel was sacked the following month and replaced by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

“I’m delighted that Youri has chosen to be part of Leicester City’s journey,” said Rodgers. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for this football club and to be able to bring players of Youri’s quality here is an indication of the hunger for success we have.

“He’s already shown he’s capable of making an impact in the Premier League and he adds another option to an incredibly talented group of players here.”

Tielemans began his career at Anderlecht where he became the youngest Belgian to play in the Champions League, aged 16 years and 148 days, when he featured against Olympiakos in October 2013.

After winning two Belgian league titles in four seasons, Tielemans left Anderlecht to join Monaco for about €27m in 2017, scoring six goals in 65 games for the Ligue 1 side.

The midfielder also has 23 caps for Belgium and played at the 2018 World Cup.