Youri Tielemans Leicester City 2018-19Getty Images

Tielemans returns to Leicester in club-record £40m deal

Leicester City have announced the club-record £40 million ($50m) signing of Youri Tielemans from Monaco on a four-year contract.

The deal, which is subject to Premier League and international clearance, comes after the 22-year-old impressed during a six-month loan spell with the Foxes last season.

Indeed, in just 13 appearances, Tielemans contributed three goals and four assists for the East Midlands side.

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The Belgium international becomes the third signing made by Brendan Rodgers' side this summer, following the arrivals of Ayoze Perez and James Justin.

Speaking to Leicester's official website, Tielemans spoke of his excitement at completing the move.

"It is such a great feeling to sign for this football club," he said. "Ever since I arrived on loan last season, all the players, the staff and the fans have been fantastic with me, so I’m thrilled to be able to become a Leicester City player.

"I believe that we have the talent in our squad to achieve something special and for any player, that’s an exciting thing to be a part of. I really can’t wait to get started again with this club and do everything I can to help my team-mates."

Rodgers also weighed in on the transfer, stating that the acquisition of such a talented player speaks volumes of the club's ambitions.

"I’m delighted that Youri has chosen to be part of Leicester City’s journey," the manager said. "It’s an incredibly exciting time for this football club and to be able to bring players of Youri’s quality here is an indication of the hunger for success we have here.

"Youri fit brilliantly into the squad last season, he’s already shown that he’s capable of making an impact in the Premier League and he adds another option to an incredibly talented group of players here at Leicester City."

Capped by Belgium 23 times, the first of those coming back in 2016, Tielemans was part of the country's 2018 World Cup squad that finished third in Russia.

The Anderlecht youth product will now join up with the rest of his new team-mates in France, where the Foxes are undergoing a training camp as they prepare for the 2019-20 Premier League season.

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