Sports‘Would not surprise me’: Ex-BBC man drops claim as Irons eye 'one of Europe's top midfielders'
Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that if West Ham United can secure European football for next season, they could seal a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Lowdown: Leicester could sell Tielemans
According to a report by The Telegraph on 31 March, the Foxes are willing to sanction a £25m exit for the 24-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023.
The Irons have made it a top priority to sign a central midfielder when the transfer window reopens. David Moyes hopes to add competition to his squad, which will allow for the rotation of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek; and as a result, the Hammers have been linked with a move for the Belgium international.
The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Tielemans
Whelan, who regularly used to feature as a pundit for the BBC, believes that West Ham could sign Tielemans if they are to maintain European football next season.
Speaking with Football Insider, the ex-Leeds striker claimed: “I think they could [sign him].
“He’s got everything, hasn’t he? Goals from outside the box, creativity, works hard, dictates the game, very competitive. And he’s at a good age – the best is yet to come.
“Leicester will be forced to let him go because players like Tielemans deserve to be playing in Europe.
“If West Ham could offer him that, then him joining really would not surprise me.
“With the likes of Benrahma around him, David Moyes could have some really good options next season.”
The Verdict: Would be a very good signing
The Belgian ranks in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions, the 93rd percentile for total shots and the 92nd percentile for progressive passes (via FBRef). Therefore, it is clear to see why Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hailed him as “one of Europe’s top midfielders”, which furthers his cause to be playing regular European football.
With a current Transfermarkt value of £49.5m, signing Tielemans for a mere £25m would prove to be a fantastic piece of business by GSB.
However, at this price, a myriad of other Premier League clubs will likely be queuing to secure the midfielder’s signature, so this could prove to be a tricky deal for West Ham to get over the line, especially if they miss out on a place in Europe for next season.
In other news: Sky Sports pundit drools over ‘important’ West Ham star with 94% passing accuracy v Everton
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