Foxes of Leicester
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Life after Riyad Mahrez: How will Leicester City replace him?

By Brenden Woldman

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides second goal with team mate Demarai Gray of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides second goal with team mate Demarai Gray of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: James Maddison of Norwich City and David Luiz of Chelsea in action during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on January 17, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: James Maddison of Norwich City and David Luiz of Chelsea in action during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on January 17, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

The new kid

Although the Leicester City have considerable depth, that has not stopped them from having a busy summer transfer window. The most notable of their signings has been James Maddison, who they bought for £22 million.

Maddison, an English Under-21 International, scored 14 goals and had eight assists for the Canaries last season. However, he does not naturally play at Mahrez’s position, as he plays more of a No.10 role. That being said, Maddison has the potential of being a creative force on the pitch in a way that would make the Algerian wizard proud.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 03: Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 03: Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Go for broke

If Puel and Leicester City still do not feel they have enough to replace Mahrez, there still are a couple of players who they could make a move for.

Xherdan Shaqiri, the fabulous Swiss winger – also a Liverpool target – will be leaving the relegated Stoke City for a cheap fee of £12 million. Shaqiri, who scored eight goals for Stoke last season, is one of the most sought after wingers this transfer window. The other is Marcus Rashford.

The young English international has fallen out of favor at Old Trafford and a loan move is possible. Though it would only be for one season, a talent like Rashford is rare, and one Leicester will not pass up on. With Rashford or Shaqiri, the Foxes would be able to bridge the talent gap that Mahrez will be leaving. However, there is no player out there who can perfectly replace the Algerian international.

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