NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City at City Ground on January 14, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Manchester United should make a late move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans as Christian Eriksen’s fitness remains uncertain.
Eriksen suffered an ankle injury during Reading’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory. He was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches after being on the receiving end of a reckless tackle from Andy Carroll.
As a result, there is genuine concern about him right now, and United should provide a clear update on his injury situation following a medical evaluation.
While that is happening, the club should look into a quality replacement in case the worst happens. Tielemans, in our opinion, would be an excellent late-season addition.
The Belgian has just over five months left on his contract with the Foxes and could be lured away before the deadline if a lucrative offer is made.
Transfermarkt currently values him at £35 million, and we believe United could seriously test the Foxes’ resolve by paying a fee in the region of £20 million.
Because funds are said to be limited at the moment, the club could also negotiate a loan deal for the 25-year-old with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Although Tielemans’ mobility and top speed have been criticized, the Belgian is a proven Premier League star who can play in multiple midfield roles.
He can serve as a replacement for Eriksen. This season, the Belgian has five goals for the Foxes but has also been impressive defensively.
The 25-year-old has averaged 2.2 tackles and one interception per game. Meanwhile, he averages 46 accurate passes per game and has a knack for creating opportunities.
Tielemans would be able to express himself more freely with a world-class defensive midfielder like Casemiro alongside him, which has not been the case at Leicester.
