Leicester’s relegation to the Championship has already seen seven players’ time at the King Power come to an end, but it’s the futures of a trio of midfielders that will garner the most interest.
Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans is one player whose future is already certain to lie away from Leicester, with his contract expiring this summer. Tielemans’ star was at its brightest in the summer of 2021, when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final and won the Foxes’ Player of the Year award. The Belgian went on to be linked with Arsenal on a regular basis, but it’s a move to Villa Park that now looks far more likely, according to bookmakers.tv.
The switch to Aston Villa would provide Tielemans with a return to European football via the Europa Conference League, but he may stall any potential deal if rumoured interest from either Roma or Newcastle is firmed up.
Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes’ time at Leicester may also be approaching an end, with the winger presumably looking to extend his stay in the Premier League to give him the best chance of adding to his solitary England cap.
Again it’s Aston Villa who are favourites to secure his signature, but West Ham may prove the link with the most legs now they’ve beaten Fiorentina to earn themselves a spot in next season’s Europa League.
James Maddison
Last but certainly not least is James Maddison who finally appears to have established himself in Gareth’s Southgate’s England squad, and whose departure from Leicester would surely earn his current team the biggest windfall.
The list of potential suitors is impressive, with Newcastle heading the betting from Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. A bidding war appears likely, which Leicester are unlikely to be able to ignore, as they look to cover the financial ramifications of relegation from the top flight.
Latest next club betting according to bookmakers.tv:
- Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa (Evens), Roma (6/1), Newcastle (10/1), Arsenal (12/1)
- Harvey Barnes – Aston Villa (5/2), West Ham (4/1), Newcastle (13/2), Tottenham (14/1)
- James Maddison – Newcastle (11/8), Tottenham (3/1), Man Utd (10/1), Arsenal (12/1)
Odds correct as of 2pm on Thursday 8th June 2023, and are subject to change.
