Leicester City have set their sights on a rising star in European football, 18-year-old Finnish midfielder Matias Siltanen.
As the Foxes look to rebuild under new manager Marti Cifuentes following a challenging period, Siltanen has emerged as a prime target to bolster their squad. However, they face competition from Manchester City and Bournemouth.
But who is this young talent generating buzz across Europe? Let’s dive into his background, playing style, and why Leicester City are keen to secure his signature.
Early Beginnings and Rapid Rise
Born on March 29, 2007, in Kuopio, Finland, Matias Siltanen is a product of the Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) academy, a club with a strong reputation for nurturing young talent. Siltanen’s footballing journey began in KuPS’s youth setup, and his prodigious talent was evident early on. At just 15 years old, he made his senior debut for KuPS II in Finland’s third-tier Kakkonen league in 2022, showcasing remarkable maturity for his age. His performances earned him the Boy Player of the Year award from the Eastern Finland Football Association that same year.
🇫🇮🌟| Matias Siltanen (2007)
— w/scout (@widescouting) July 20, 2025
→ 18 | CM | Right-footed
→ Djurgårdens IF | Allsvenskan
Player Profile:
→ Elite ball-progressor (carrying/passing)
→ Plays the killer ball
→ Composed tempo-dictator
→ Press-resistant
📌 Potential - 8/10 🌟 pic.twitter.com/HvPvrTQzPL
In 2023, Siltanen signed his first professional contract with KuPS, a two-year deal with an option for an additional year. He quickly became a key figure in the first team, playing a pivotal role in their 2024 Veikkausliiga and Finnish Cup double triumph. During his debut season with KuPS’s senior side, the then-17-year-old featured in 42 matches, scoring one goal and providing five assists. His composure and technical ability in midfield earned him the Veikkausliiga Rookie of the Year award, cementing his status as one of Finland’s brightest prospects.
Move to Djurgårdens IF
In January 2025, Siltanen made a significant step in his career by joining Swedish Allsvenskan side Djurgårdens IF for a reported transfer fee of €1.2 million plus bonuses. The move came despite interest from Premier League heavyweights like Manchester City and Bournemouth, highlighting his growing reputation. At Djurgårdens, Siltanen has continued to impress, starting all but one of the club’s Allsvenskan matches in 2025 and logging more minutes than any teammate. His seamless adaptation to the Swedish top flight, a step up from Finland’s Veikkausliiga, has drawn comparisons to Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, another Scandinavian talent who progressed through Djurgårdens.
Playing Style and Strengths
Siltanen is a central midfielder known for his composure, technical quality, and ability to dictate play from deep positions. Often deployed as the deepest midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 or similar formation, he excels at receiving the ball under pressure and maintaining possession in tight spaces. His vision and passing range allow him to initiate attacks, while his work rate and defensive awareness make him a reliable presence in midfield.
🧵 Leicester City are monitoring Finnish wonderkid Matias Siltanen. Here’s why the hype is real. #lcfc pic.twitter.com/sK02Wgc2gb
— abdullah 🇸🇦 (@the1_abdullah) July 21, 2025
Plaudits have praised Siltanen’s versatility, as he can operate as a defensive midfielder or in a more box-to-box role. His performances in the Allsvenskan, where he has faced stronger competition than in Finland, demonstrate his readiness for a potential move to a higher level. While not a prolific goalscorer, his contributions in build-up play and his ability to control the tempo of matches have made him a standout prospect.
International Recognition
Siltanen’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed on the international stage. He captained Finland’s U17 side in the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification tournament and was part of the U16 squad that won the Baltic Cup in 2023. In May 2025, he received his first call-up to the senior Finland national team for World Cup qualifying matches against the Netherlands and Poland, underscoring his rapid progression.
The Next Lucas Bergvall?
Siltanen’s journey has drawn parallels to Lucas Bergvall, the Swedish midfielder who moved from Djurgårdens to Tottenham Hotspur. Both players share a similar profile: technically gifted, mature beyond their years, and capable of thriving in competitive leagues at a young age. Siltanen’s decision to join Djurgårdens over Premier League clubs in January 2025 suggests he prioritizes development, which could play into Leicester’s hands if they can offer a clear pathway to first-team football.
Where Will He Go?
Securing Siltanen’s signature won’t be straightforward for Leicester. Manchester City, in particular, have been linked with the midfielder, with their youth development system and City Football Group network offering an attractive pathway for young talents. Bournemouth and RC Lens have also made offers in the past, while interest from Bundesliga clubs and PAOK adds further complexity. Djurgårdens are reportedly holding firm on a valuation as high as €20 million, a significant increase from the €1.2 million they paid in January 2025, reflecting Siltanen’s rapid development.
