Foxes of Leicester
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Return of the Pap: A look at Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy

By Andy Bisnos

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Nampalys Mendy of Leicester City looks on durng the pre-season friendly match between Notts County and Leicester City at Meadow Lane on July 21, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Nampalys Mendy of Leicester City looks on durng the pre-season friendly match between Notts County and Leicester City at Meadow Lane on July 21, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – JULY 30: Nampalys Mendy
CARSON, CA – JULY 30: Nampalys Mendy /

Leicester City

When Claudio Ranieri was appointed Leicester City manager in the summer of 2015, the club were initially linked with a bid for Mendy. At the time, the Foxes decided to go for N’Golo Kante, but they returned in the summer of 2016. A £13 million bid was accepted by Nice and Papy became Leicester’s record signing.

There was initial talk was that he would be the replacement for N’Golo Kante who, on the back of a superb season, was being linked to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

But the understanding is that Mendy was brought in to form a ‘plan B’ trio with Danny Drinkwater and Kante. This was seen as a key tactical option for the East Midlanders, particularly with UEFA Champions League awaiting them in 2016/17.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea arrives at the stadiium prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea arrives at the stadiium prior to kick off during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

Unfortunately for Mendy, Kante did leave Leicester to join Chelsea, and with no direct replacement signed by the club – the pressure was on.

On 20th August 2016, he made his Premier League debut at the King Power Stadium against Arsenal. Disaster struck for Mendy just after half time, as he had to leave the field through injury despite an impressive first half showing. The Injury then kept him out of the team for the majority of the season.

Mendy fell out of favour with Ranieri’s replacement, Craig Shakespeare, and spent 2017/18 back at OGC Nice on loan.