In his first press conference as Leicester City manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed he’d discussed transfers with the club’s hierarchy. Now is the time to put those conversations into action.
There are funds available for the new boss, or at least that’s the message he’s been given. Last January, Enzo Maresca was told the same, only for it to be revealed City had to sell before they could buy.
But taking everybody at their word, it seems City are in a position to do business. Van Nistelrooy has been analysing the squad over the past month and will now know what he wants. Here’s a rundown of the current transfer state of play at the King Power Stadium.
Centre-back wanted
While van Nistelrooy has publicly said that he’s more than content with his current four centre-back options, the heart of the defence is expected to be a focus for City next month. They’ve conceded the second highest number of goals and have kept the fewest clean sheets, so something has to change.
When City were in a relegation battle 10 years ago, they also swooped for a new centre-back, bringing in Robert Huth on loan from Stoke. It turned out to be a masterstroke.
But this time, it seems City will take a different approach. Rather than an experienced defender with Premier League knowhow, the centre-backs being linked to the club are all young and all playing overseas.
However, they do seem talented and destined for the top. Velez Sarsfield’s Valentin Gomez, a league winner in Argentina this year, is perhaps the most interesting name, as the 21-year-old has said he is keen on a move to Europe and is left-footed too, giving City something they don’t currently have. There’s also Lens’ Abdukadir Khusanov and Real Valladolid’s Juma Bah to keep an eye on.
Further positions of priority
When Steve Cooper was in charge, a centre-back had been on his transfer to-do list, in part because of Ben Nelson’s injury on loan at Oxford ruling out a recall for the academy graduate. But he also wanted a full-back.
In the summer, Tottenham’s Ben Davies was on City’s radar, but the club finished the window without a new left-back. Now, with Ricardo Pereira injured until at least March, it is the area they are most short on options in the squad. A utility full-back who can push both James Justin and Victor Kristiansen would be welcome.
Another position in which they have been hit with injuries is on the wing. City have plenty of attacking options for the roles behind the striker, but with Abdul Fatawu out for the season, they only have Kasey McAteer and Stephy Mavididi who play as out-and-out wingers. City have been linked with Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
Doubts over striker need
City also targeted a striker in the summer before eventually bringing in Odsonne Edouard on loan. In the months since, they’ve been regularly credited with interest in Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, even though he may be out of their price bracket.
Right now, signing a new striker does not seem as necessary as other potential deals. Jamie Vardy is in good form and fit-again Patson Daka is well-liked by van Nistelrooy.
Edouard call
As such, Edouard can’t even get onto the bench. It means City have to seriously consider whether they continue his loan at all.
City are only permitted to have two players on loan from fellow Premier League clubs at any one time, so it feels like a waste of one of those spots if the man filling it can’t even make the bench. Van Nistelrooy may want to bring in one of the Man United youngsters he worked with earlier this campaign, but that’s only possible if Edouard is sent back to Crystal Palace.
Other business
If City do bring in a centre-back, it will be interesting to see what happens with the current crop. Under Cooper, Conor Coady had looked like leaving in January, but he has come to prominence under van Nistelrooy.
With Jannik Vestergaard only recently signing a new contract and Caleb Okoli not long joining the club, Wout Faes may be a contender to be sold. But City would expect a decent fee for the Belgian international.
Besides that, there may be a few youngsters recalled from loans and new clubs found for them to aid their progress. Some, like Sammy Braybrooke and Chris Popov, are not getting a look-in right now.
If City sign three players in January, what positions do they need to be? Click HERE to have your say.
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