Rating Leicester City’s transfer window

With all taken into account following the transfer deadline – Leicester City have had a tremendously successful window. This is Foxes of Leicester’s rating on all incoming and outgoing business at the King Power Stadium.

Maintaining the spine of the team was always most important to Leicester City during the summer: Kasper Schmeichel, Harry Maguire, Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy. Vardy actually signed a new four-year contract on return from his post-World Cup holiday.

With the transfer window closed and the first match Friday, the Blue Army can be very content with their additional purchases. Making seven buys, including: Danny Ward, Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, James Maddison, Rachid Ghezzal, Filip Benkovic and Caglar Soyuncu.

Soyuncu’s deal is not complete yet, as a work permit is to be granted. Although, the club are confident that is a formality. The Turkish international looks an uncompromising defender with imposing, regular challenges. One for the future is Croatian Benkovic, as confirmed by Claude Puel.

Eventually, getting a remarkably high price for the talented Mahrez was also excellent business. There is no estimating the team spirit decline and behind the scenes insubordination he would cause if forced to stay. And he, sort of, deserved his chance at a footballing superpower.

Therefore, I rate this as a 9/10 transfer window. 10/10 would be given if any of the transfers in were of a proven Premier League standard. Yet I believe Maddison and Soyuncu will be excellent. Ghezzal and Ricardo also have the ability to be premiership mainstays and much more. Jonny Evans should end Wes Morgan’s stronghold – for the good of the team. And Ward is a capable understudy to Schmeichel.

Are Leicester ready for United?

We have a fair idea who Manchester United will be missing from their premiership starting line-up in Friday’s opening game with the Foxes: Ander Herrera, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba. While we expect a 1-1 draw; Guardian expects a Red Devils victory: “United are likely to start the season with three points.”

One can gauge current prominence of players by the assignment of squad numbers. With 1-11 indicating a starter, in some cases, for example: James Maddison as number 10 gives implication he will begin games and play as a No.10 behind the striker. Whereas Danny Simpson receiving number two is confusing as his future is not at the club – certainly not under Claude Puel. Take a look at lcfc.com, below.

Extra movements?

Callum Elder and Bartosz Kapustka did not receive a number, this means they will most likely leave on loan. Andy King will be number 37, I see this as directly linked to him being told to find a new club. A high number is a manoeuvre which identifies him as surplus. Despite 3+7=10 being King’s former number, it is slightly harsh as he is a man who won every league with Leicester City. Although, it signifies his time ending at the King Power. Evolution not revolution.

Sales along with loans must be considered when rating. It would benefit the club further – and their careers – to sell Simpson, King, Islam Slimani and possibly Yohan Benalouane, respectively. However, they are here after deadline and all are good professionals. There will be loans for some remaining players to ensure Leicester City have an adequate premiership squad size. I imagine 7th is attainable for the Foxes in this league campaign.