Leicester linked with van de Beek transfer – FoL’s verdict

With the constant uncertainty around Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans’ future at the club, it is no surprise that the Foxes are already starting the process of searching for a successor to the Belgian midfielder. The player in this case, is out of sorts Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Despite being reunited with his former Ajax boss Erik Ten Haag this season, the Dutchman has only managed to accrue 19 minutes of playing time so far. According to reports from French outlet Jeunes Footeux, the East Midlands club are looking to loan in the 25-year-old with a £13million option to buy.

With the potential of Tielemans leaving in the January window, if the right offer came in for him, it could be very likely that City cash in. This would be in order to not lose the Belgian on a free at the end of his contract after this campaign.

Whether this is a good move for Leicester remains to be seen; is Van de Beek a like for like replacement? Respectively, no he isn’t. Tielemans has developed into an excellent dictator from a deep right sided eight position, this is not the role the former Ajax man excels in.

The Nijkerkerveen-born man is more suited to an advanced role, although he can carry out some defensive duties, he’s most effective in that final third. Aiding in maintaining possession in dangerous areas and picking up great positions in the oppositions 18-yard-box. In truth, he is more comparable to Dennis Praet: a player who cannot break into the first team and spent last season out on loan.

So understandably, City would be more than likely looking at a temporary switch first, without an obligation to buy due to the current financial struggles. Not to mention van de Beek still remaining somewhat of an unknown commodity of in the Premier League. There just isn’t enough evidence to suggest he can replicate the form that got him a big money move to Manchester. But perhaps he just may do so in a Foxes shirt.