Belgian footballer Youri Tielemans has shared a farewell message with the supporters of Leicester City as he prepares to become a free agent this summer. The 26-year-old midfielder will be leaving Leicester on a free transfer when his current contract expires on June 30. Tielemans initially joined Leicester on loan from Monaco in January 2019 before making the move permanent for a fee of £32 million in July 2019. During his time at the King Power Stadium, he made 195 appearances and played a key role in Leicester's FA Cup triumph. In his heartfelt message, Tielemans expressed his gratitude to the fans, the club's board, staff, and players for the support he received during his memorable four-and-a-half-year spell. Although Tielemans bid farewell, he emphasized that it is not a permanent goodbye but rather a sincere farewell. Leicester City recently endured a disappointing season that led to their relegation, with Dean Smith taking over as manager after Brendan Rodgers' dismissal. Tielemans' departure is the only confirmed exit so far, but it is widely expected that fellow midfielder James Maddison will also leave the club as he is considered too talented to play in the Championship.
It has been a miserable season for Leicester City, with Dean Smith, hired after Brendan Rodgers was sacked. He however failed to inspire a significant turnaround in form which would have helped them avoid being relegated.
While Tielemans’ exit is the only one that has been confirmed, he is not the only Foxes midfielder expected to say goodbye this summer.
The consensus is that James Maddison is far too good to be playing Championship football and as a result, will also leave Leicester this summer.