Comparison to club legend sees Barcelona eye up Leicester lynchpin
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing up a move for Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu, who reminds them of one of their club legends.
Soyuncu has made a positive impression since joining Leicester in 2018. After spending a season alongside Harry Maguire, he effectively replaced the Englishman when he moved to Manchester United. Soyuncu’s performance levels, along with those of Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana, have helped fill the void.
The Turkey international made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes last season. As a result, he earned his place in his national team’s squad for Euro 2020.
Their performance in the group stage so far has not been of the levels expected. However, some of their key players could still catch the eye – and Soyuncu’s club form already makes him appealing.
According to AS, Barcelona have identified Soyuncu as a defensive target for the summer. They have already signed Eric Garcia on a free transfer from Manchester City but are still considering additional reinforcements.
For example, Garcia’s ex-City teammate Aymeric Laporte is also on their radar, but may be too expensive. Now, Soyuncu wouldn’t come cheap either, but they are keeping him in mind.
The report claims Barcelona see Soyuncu as someone with similar characteristics to their former captain Carles Puyol, who retired seven years ago.
Now, Soyuncu’s entourage are aware of the apparent interest from Barcelona and will be waiting to see how the situation develops.
The 25-year-old is under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2023.
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Leicester trying to keep Tielemans
Meanwhile, another Leicester star in demand elsewhere is midfielder Youri Tielemans, currently representing Belgium at the Euros.
A report earlier this month predicted Liverpool and Man Utd to duel over his signature. However, prising him away from the King Power will not be a simple task.
Per the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are reportedly keen to tie Tielemans down to fresh terms.
His current contract expires in 2023. But to shelve any uncertainty over his future, they wish to insert an eye-watering release clause into any new agreement.
The article cites Belgian outlet Walfoot who previously claimed that an ‘£80m release clause’ would be included.
It remains to be seen if they have similar plans for Soyuncu, but they would surely prefer to keep him as well.
READ MORE: ‘Done deal’ as Leicester prepare to announce striker signing ‘next week’
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