Leicester City will have to recruit in the January transfer window to improve their squad after being informed that they won’t be able to recall a player out on loan.
The Foxes were busy in the transfer window as nine players joined and several departed, both permanently and out on loan.
As January rolls around, new Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will want to make signings of his own to put his own stamp on the squad.
There was also the potential to recall star performers out on loan to aid their survival hopes but the Foxes have already been dealt one major blow.
Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy during the Leicester City Training Session at Seagrave Training Complex on December 01, 2024 in Leiceste...
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Leicester City unable to recall Harry Souttar from Sheffield United loan spell
One of those impressing out on loan is defender Harry Souttar.
Fed up with his lack of gametime, the Australia international secured a loan move to Sheffield United, where he has been a near ever-present.
Souttar has been at the core of the Blades’ defence as they try to mount a promotion push and return to the Premier League at the first attempt whilst Leicester have the second-worst defence in the top flight.
Games played 17
Clean sheets 10
Interceptions (per game) 1.2
Tackles (per game) 1.0
Ground duels won (percentage) 51%
Aerial duels won (percentage) 79%
Average rating 7.14
Harry Souttar stats 24/25 season via SofaScore
With Wout Faes looking woeful against Brentford, Jannik Vestergaard unfavoured, Caleb Okoli still young and Conor Coady also a regular, the option to recall a defender was a possibility.
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There was some talk of Ben Nelson returning from his loan spell at Oxford, however, Nelson will now miss a large chunk of the season due to injury.
That left Souttar, but according to Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, the City loanee will remain in Yorkshire after a clause in his contract was activated.
Wilder said: “I do believe, after doing a little bit of digging, that from an appearance point of view with Harry he had to play a certain amount of games, or a certain percentage of games, so he’s passed that now. He’s here for the season which is great news for us.”
Sheffield United's Harry Souttar in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at Bramall ...
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Harry Souttar wants Sheffield United move
The chances of seeing Souttar in a Leicester City shirt are looking increasingly unlikely.
Souttar revealed his excitement at joining Sheffield United after making just four appearances for the Foxes last season.
Wilder wants to make Souttar’s move permanent and it seems that Souttar has already had his say on his Blades future.
Reports have suggested that he wants to make his stay a permanent one and given that he’s not in Leicester’s plans, earning a transfer fee for the defender doesn’t seem like the worst bit of business.
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