The Leicester City squad have four weeks to prove to new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy that their position does not need strengthening in the January transfer window.
The new City manager revealed that the upcoming winter market was part of his discussions with the chairman prior to taking the job. But the exact details of City’s business will not be determined until he’s undergone a thorough assessment of his current playing group.
Van Nistelrooy has already spoken of having a balanced squad at City, with no areas of the team glaringly short of numbers. It’s therefore going to be a matter of which positions need better quality, and that can only be decided by the manager once he’s taken a good look at those currently under his command.
It’s not just the players who will be challenged to prove themselves over the next few weeks, but the staff too. First-team coach Ben Dawson, set-piece coach Andrew Hughes, and goalkeeping coach Danny Alcock will also be assessed by the new manager even while he works to strengthen his backroom team.
Asked about the possibility of January transfers, Van Nistelrooy said at his opening press conference: “That was a topic of discussion (with the chairman). The two conversations on different days were very open and clear. For me, it was important to know the plans for the near future but also in the longer future. The January window was discussed.
“What was also discussed, and this is the most important thing, was the current squad. For me, I need to get a good assessment over the coming weeks leading into the January window, giving every player the chance.
“Also, the staff members who are staying, it’s the same. I’m working together with the people at the club. I’m looking to bring in more people. But I’m still working with them (the current staff) as well and then we can make assessments from there. That’s what was said in those meetings.”
Van Nistelrooy is not expected to have a great deal of money to spend in January. The club have to consider Profit and Sustainability Rules, especially after a net transfer expenditure of nearly £50m in the summer.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Premier League
Which position do you feel needs most attention? Click HERE to have your say.