Leicester City: The case for and against buying Lorenzo De Silvestri

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TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 18: Lorenzo De Silvestri of Torino FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 18, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Torino right-back Lorenzo De Silvestri – but would he be the right addition? We have a look:

The case for buying Lorenzo De Silvestri

Leicester City may have already spent £22 million on Ricardo Pereira, who straightaway slots in as the first choice right-back, but if, in case he’s unfortunately injured, or experiences a drop in form, then the Foxes don’t really have a decent back up option to count upon – someone who can really be a threat.

The ageing Danny Simpson is not the man for the right flank anymore, and young Daniel Amartey and Alex Pascanu are both some way off of where they have to be in order to make a case for themselves.

While Amartey and Pascanu are well worth investing time in, Simpson is not, simply because he has peaked and he won’t play any better than he currently is. If Leicester can sell him for something over £5 million, it would be a good bit of business, and they can use that money to fund a deal for Lorenzo De Silvestri.

Even though 30, De Silvestri is still recognised for being an explosive, powerful and marauding full-back – his seven goals and five assists in 39 appearances last season being a proof of just that.

Add to that, he is a better defensive option as well with his aerial abilities being of particular note. For those obssessed with numbers, the Italian has a WhoScored rating of 6.95 as compared to Simpson’s 6.58. Quite a backup to have.