Brendan Rodgers’ remarkably honest Youri Tielemans transfer verdict amid Liverpool links

Liverpool are yet to sign any players during the January transfer window, but there could be a key reason behind this.

The Reds have been linked with several names this month, but could be set to wait until the summer in order to bolster their squad.

One player said to be on their radar is Youri Tielemans. The Leicester City midfielder has 18 months remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium.

The Belgian international is no closer to signing a new deal with the Foxes and Jurgen Klopp could look to lure him to Anfield in the summer, especially if Leicester fail to finish in a European place come May.

Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers gave an honest update on Tielemans’ situation at the club earlier this month, stating the midfielder will look ‘at every option’.

“He is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option,” Rodgers said.

“I would love it to be here at Leicester City, that is natural, but I also understand it’s a very short career.

“While the player is committed, focused and professional, it’s never a worry for me. With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here, but you have to respect that these guys’ careers are short.”

Liverpool will of course take these comments with a pinch of salt, but it seems there is scope for a potential move to be on the cards.

To add to this, via LeicestershireLive, the midfielder stated he is ‘open to everything’ back in September, but hasn’t ruled out signing a new contract with the Foxes in the near future.

“There is no update really, I’m open to everything," Tielemans said.

"The [summer] transfer market has just closed. I just try to keep as many options as I can open.

“As long as I’m here, I’m going to give everything to the club. I have already done so, but I’m going to give even more.

“The contract situation is just something that is going on in football. It’s just a normal situation. There are talks going on. I’m not saying I’m going to sign, but I’m not saying I’m not going to sign.”

Spanish site Fichajes reports the Reds and Premier League title rivals Manchester City are ‘most interested’ in the 24-year-old, however, they also face competition from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Tielemans has made 133 appearances for the Foxes since his arrival in 2019, scoring 23 goals and assisting his teammates on 22 occasions.