5 high-profile midfielders who could leave their clubs in the summer
A raft of world-class midfielders could be on the move this summer transfer window.
We've seen plenty of high-profile transfers happen in Europe over the past couple of seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic hit several clubs hard in a financial sense and this facilitated a lot of transfer activity. Several clubs were forced to part ways with some of their best players in order to stay afloat.
Last summer, a plethora of football superstars switched clubs. This included the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as well.
With clubs still adjusting to the post-COVID landscape, this summer's transfer window is expected to be rich in activity as well.
Several European giants are looking to sign top quality midfielders
Several top European clubs are looking to bolster their squads in the summer. Top European clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, among others, are looking to bring midfield reinforcements.
Plenty of high-profile footballers are also set to become free agents at the end of the ongoing season. This summer's free agent market might be the most populated one in a very long time.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five high-profile midfielders who could leave their clubs this summer.
#5 Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Youri Tielemans joined Leicester City on loan from AS Monaco in January 2019. The Foxes made the deal permanent in the summer that same year for a sum in the ballpark of €38 million. He has done a brilliant job for them ever since.
The Belgian international has even established himself as one of the best midfielders in the English top-flight.
Unfortunately for Leicester City, Tielemans has his heart set on a move at the end of the season. The 24-year-old's current deal expires in the summer of 2023 and he has turned down the Foxes' latest contract offer. As a result, this summer will be Leicester City's last chance to cash in on the midfielder.
Several top European clubs are interested in securing his services. Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers recently discussed Tielemans' potential departure. In January, he said:
“He is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option. I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“For players it’s about ambition, the challenge and sometimes it’s about a different environment. We have seen it before many times.
#LCFC
I’ve been told Youri Tielemans will NOT extend his contract with Leicester. New deal bid has been turned down - current one expires in 2023. 🔵 #LCFC
Of course Youri will be professional, he’s focused on Leicester. Many top clubs want him for June.
More: youtu.be/9-p5DiCzizU https://t.co/BIpAwzzGfp
#4 Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
Philippe Coutinho is likely to go down as Barcelona's biggest transfer flop of all time. The Catalans signed him from Liverpool in January 2018 on a deal worth €135 million. After impressing initially, the Brazilian's form deteriorated drastically and subsequent injury issues rendered him a peripheral figure at the club.
The 29-year-old is currently on loan with Aston Villa and has done a fairly decent job for the Premier League outfit so far. Given that Barcelona have a young and promising midfield right now, they are likely to cash in on Coutinho in the summer.
The Brazilian midfielder's current contract with the Catalans expires in the summer of 2023. As such, this summer represents their final opportunity to cash in on him and they are expected to do so. In 106 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, Coutinho has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists.
Philippe Coutinho 🗣
“I was very keen to get back to the Premier League, I’m at a great club which makes me very happy” [ @espn ]
You love to see it 🤩 #avfc https://t.co/9hcePIyUEe