Leicester City has already bought a few players, but Steve Cooper’s team still needs to be strengthened, thus our writers have selected who the club should bring in next. Leicester City have made a strong start to their transfer window, with three new signings, one new contract, and Abdul Fatawu yet to arrive. However, Steve Cooper’s squad is perhaps not nearly ready for the Premier League yet. There is more work to be done before City can begin their survival war. So what happens next? Three LeicestershireLive writers have identified the positions that they believe should be strengthened, as well as the players who can fill them.
Leicester City’s transfer window appears to have opened, with the club signing Abdul Fatawu, Michael Golding, Bobby De Cardova-Reid, and Caleb Okoli. Like any newly promoted club, the roster requires reinforcement ahead of the upcoming season. One area that requires more attention is the central midfield position. With Wilfred Ndidi extending his stay at the club, the more attacking midfield positions would require replacements, particularly following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure to Chelsea. Even before then, City was short on midfielders.
I can see Ndidi returning to his more natural defensive position under Cooper. City consequently require more naturally attacking players to compliment him and Harry Winks. While Michael Golding will present an alternative, his age and lack of first-team experience may make it unrealistic to expect him to come in and make an immediate impact. Callum O’Hare, who left Coventry City at the conclusion of his contract, has already been discussed, and he would be a savvy addition on a free transfer.
City came close to signing James McAtee on loan from Manchester City last season. That signing may have been influenced by Enzo Maresca, but he is the type of player City should consider in the current window. Josh Holland Leicester City has, uncharacteristically, moved quickly to improve its roster this summer. The news of Bobby DeCordova Reid has offered additional encouragement, but there is still much work to be done. The signing of Caleb Okoli strengthens the centre-back options, particularly if Cooper opts for a back three. With Wilfred Ndidi’s contract being extended, a deep-lying playmaker like Harry Winks must be the priority.
Given Cooper’s likely 3-4-3 formation, the midfield plainly lacks the numbers to compete in the Premier League. Callum O’Hare is a guy I’d like to see sign at the King Power Stadium, and the recently mentioned Amir Richardson can play both positions. Florentino Luis of Benfica would be the ideal signing because he is a top-tier European player. However, he will come at a cost, and it appears that the club has finally learned from its mistakes and is taking advantage of the free agent market. Jordan Blackwell
Now that Dewsbury-Hall is gone, City’s top priority is clear: find an offensive midfielder. Having a guy who can switch between creator and goalscorer while also connecting with the wingers and strikers might mean the difference between survival and relegation. Even five goals and five assists would have a significant influence. Matias Soule of Juventus appears particularly impressive among the players connected with City. He topped certain Serie A teams in important passes last season despite being only 21, having limited first-team experience, and playing for a relegated side in Frosinone. He appears to have an extremely high ceiling.
He is certainly the best of the players City has been associated with, but the only question is whether he is happy playing in a center role. He spent most of the season on the right wing, cutting to his left. Even when played more centrally, he remained slightly off to the right. The city needs someone to complement Abdul Fatawu rather than get in his way.
