Youri Tielemans has sent a message to Leicester City fans after confirming his exit from the relegated Premier League club on a free transfer. The Belgium international midfielder has long been linked with Arsenal, while Newcastle United were also believed to be keen on a potential move. Tielemans expressed his gratitude to Leicester City fans for their support during his four-and-a-half year stay at the club. He said: ‘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. From the first day I set foot on this ground, your warmth and passion embraced me. Victory and triumph, love, hope and even defeat. We’ve shared many special moments together. I am 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.’
Leicester will be playing in the Championship next term and Tielemans is soon free to discuss terms with Arsenal, Newcastle and other clubs who may want him. Meanwhile, James Maddison is also likely to depart Leicester this summer and is wanted by Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham. Leicester value Maddison at more than £50m and hope to start a bidding war between the interested clubs.