Deportivo Alaves winger Ibai Gomez is an “object of desire” for Leicester City boss Claude puel, reports Mundo Deportivo.
In its Tuesday edition, the Spanish newspaper reserved a special mention for Puel’s penchant for Gomez as they wrote of the 29-year old’s situation at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Another Spanish outlet, AS, had earlier reported of Leicester’s interest in Gomez as well. They also stated that Leeds United and Athletic Bilbao – Gomez’s former club – could be interested in signing the Spaniard, too, so there’s no shortage of competition for Leicester. Needless to say that Bilbao will certainly have a little advantage in this race of sorts for obvious reasons.
After signing for the Los Leones in 2010 as a 21-year old, Gomez went on to make 145 appearances, scoring 17 goals and assisting 23 as well. In 2016, however, he terminated his contract at the club before signing a three-year deal with Alaves, which will expire next summer.
What it means is that Alaves aren’t in a very strong position to negotiate, and they are therefore willing to sell Gomez for €4 million despite his €10 million release clause. In today’s market, it is without a doubt an incredibly low price. Lionel Messi is paid more than that in seven months.
However, the deal being nice and cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good one. Leicester do need a forward, yes, but they need someone who’s world-class. Leicester don’t need another player who can barely get to seven goals in a season.
They need someone to complement Jamie Vardy and, later on, even replace him. Gomez isn’t the man for that job.