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Leicester City tried to sign Benedikt Howedes on Deadline Day

By Harneet Singh Sethi

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JULY 07: Benedikt Hoewedes of Germany runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2016 semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JULY 07: Benedikt Hoewedes of Germany runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2016 semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City failed in a late Deadline Day move for German World-Cup winner Benedikt Howedes, according to his agent Volker Struth.

City had spent the summer trying to bring in a couple of defensive reinforcements, and though they were successful in their pursuit of Harry Maguire, not a single defensive move could materialise thereafter.

There were unsuccessful bids for Jonny Evans and Calum Chambers just around and on the Deadline Day, meaning that the Foxes eventually had to settle for a loan-move for Aleksandar Dragovic.

Before that, however, was one last attempt for Germany and FC Schalke 05’s Benedikt Howedes, who had been looking for a move away after he was stripped of the captaincy at Schalke.

Alongside Leicester City were AS Roma, Juventus and Arsenal, with all three being his admirers since a very long period. At the end, it was the UEFA Champions League runners-up who ran clear winners, as Arsenal managed to keep hold of Inter Milan-bound Shkodran Mustafi and Leicester simply couldn’t convince their man.

Speaking exclusively to German outlet Sportbild, Howedes’ agent said:

"“There were talks with AS Roma, Leicester City and Arsenal in London because we heard here that Mustafi was courted by Inter Milan.“[But Juventus] was Benni’s favourite from the start.“Even if Schalke would have done a great job, you want to go to a club like Juve if the chance is there. Juventus is the jackpot.”"

Struth also talked about Juventus’ long-standing interest, and the 29-year old’s failed transfer five years ago.

"“We did not just talk about Juventus when Benedikt Howedes had lost the captain’s armband.“His team Schalke is in constant contact with the international top clubs.“We know what club has an affinity for Benni. We talked to him about Juve five years ago, but there was no offer.”"

Volker Struth’s comments will undoubtedly have the same impact as salt does on the wounds. The Leicester City faithful have already felt disappointed with the way the club saw off the transfer window, messing up the Adrien Silva transfer and signing Dragovic for no apparent reason.

Benedikt  Howedes’ could have been the signing of the summer, had Craig Shakespeare managed to sign him.

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