Leicester City have developed a habit of turning unknown starlets into world-class players – but that hasn’t always helped their cause.
An instance of that would be losing N’Golo Kante to Chelsea a year after they discovered the French gem. Another instance would be losing Danny Drinkwater to the same side a year later.
They could’ve lost Riyad Mahrez, too – they probably still will – but for the moment, they have emerged victors in an ugly transfer battle.
Sadly, that may just be a minor preparation for what is to come in the summer, as the Algerian rebel isn’t the only player they’d have to fight to keep – yes, the list is longer than you might think.
Here’s a look at the four most wanted Leicester City players, who the Foxes would have to do a bit to protect from the forces that be:
Riyad Mahrez
The most obvious of names that spring to mind when you think of the potential departures from Leicester City next summer. Riyad Mahrez has really had enough of having to to come right back just when he thought he had finally managed to break free from the King Power Stadium – there’s no stopping him now.
Although unprofessional in his off-field doings, Mahrez has given yet more evidence of the the excellent footballer that he is. The 26-year old has nine goals and as many assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season and looks good enough to end up somewhere near his tally of 18 goals and 10 assists in the 2015/16 season.
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The numbers alone would tempt many more clubs to ruthlessly pursue him, let alone the magnificence behind them. Almost inevitably, he will leave.
Wilfred Ndidi
He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere. Wilfred Ndidi has been nothing short of world-class this season, forming a massive part of a successful Leicester City side that operates with an offensive mindset. The young Nigerian has been vituperated for a lack of accuracy and carelessness on the ball; however, he has improved on that front, too, turning into a more complete player.
Averaging more tackles per game than any other player in the Premier League, he has grown into a mature player who will instantly improve any side that he goes to, just as N’Golo Kante did when he moved to Chelsea.
Arsenal need a defensive midfielder, Liverpool need one, too – and they’ve already been linked with a £50million move for the Leicester City midfielder. Whether the Foxes would sell him at any price is another question, but keeping him won’t be easy for sure.
Demarai Gray
The Demarai Gray rumours have gone a bit quiet, but there will be noise once we see the summer sun. The young Englishman was on the verge of leaving Leicester City last summer after a lack of playing time, but he decided against it, signing a new four-year deal at the King Power Stadium.
Having made 32 appearances this campaign already (18 starts), there’s no reason for the former Birmingham City winger to leave anymore, but a number clubs would be interested in him, given the enormous potential that he has.
Just one offer from another club can be enough to unsettle a player at times.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire hasn’t even completed a full season with Leicester City yet, and there’s talk of him being off to a bigger club – no surprises there. Arriving from Hull City for £17 million, the England international has quickly established himself as the best defender in the side, and arguably the best English centre-back in the Premier League.
Manchester City and Manchester United already have their sights set on the 24-year old, with both willing to pay £50 million for the former Sheffield United defender. As the summer approaches, however, we may have more top clubs vying for the Englishman’s signature.
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Like Riyad Mahrez and Wilfred Ndidi, he might prove to be very-very tough to keep beyond next summer.