Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans insists he made the right decision in joining the Foxes over the summer, despite other reported interest. The Belgian international initially joined on loan in January from Monaco for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.
He performed impressively in his half-season spell in the East Midlands, with three goals in 13 appearances.
His form led to speculation he could join a club playing in Europe this season, with Manchester United and Arsenal credited with interest in the 22-year-old.
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However, Leicester managed to beat off the competition as they sealed the signing of him for a fee of around £40million.
He scored his first goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Bournemouth and looks to be a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ team.
Despite the fact the player was flattered by interest from elsewhere, he insists he has made the right choice in staying full time at the King Power Stadium. “During the transfer window, I was happy of the interest of certain big clubs,” he said ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against San Marino and Scotland.
“I needed to make a choice for my young career and I think it was the right one. To arrive off the back of a €45m transfer doesn’t change anything. “They already knew me at Leicester. My loan spell went very good. I wanted to continue playing in this club.”
The signing of Tielemans at the time was seen as a big coup for Leicester and they have been regularly talked about as one of the teams that have potential to break into the top six.
Tielemans has been lining up alongside James Maddison to supply the chances for Jamie Vardy and so far Leicester’s season has got off to a good start.
They have taken eight points from four games and currently remain unbeaten in the top flight, and sit third behind Liverpool and Manchester City.
Tielemans was not the only big money signing during a busy summer for Leicester.
Ayoze Perez was also brought unto the club for a fee of £30m from Newcastle though has so far struggled for form at his new club.
On deadline day, Dennis Praet signed from Sampdoria in Serie A and has made two appearances so far.
Full-back James Justin was the other first-team coup though is yet to play having been brought in as cover for Ricardo Pereira.
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