Harvey Barnes recall very likely, Fousseni Diabate’s future at Leicester City

Leicester City look more likely to recall Harvey Barnes from his West Bromwich Albion loan, which is going superbly well. Rachid Ghezzal will almost certainly stay at the King Power Stadium. And what about fringe attacker Fousseni Diabate?!

There is a deficiency of effervescence from the wing position at Leicester City. Many have noticed it, not just the former pros and pundits who stalk our days and nights on the television and with pathetic predictions on social media.

In fact, along with a ‘target man’ striker, it is the main part of the team which needs addressing. Options this season in the wide position are plentiful, but productivity appears minimal. From the five recognised wingers at the King Power Stadium – Marc Albrighton, Demarai Gray, Fousseni Diabate, Rachid Ghezzal and Ricardo Pereira – they have managed 12 goals and assists total in the top-flight this campaign.

To be fair we padded the scores: Diabate is apparently a forward, so it’s four teammates approximately. Oh, and of course Ricardo often plays right-back; contributing five to the tally himself.

Some like Albrighton, Gray and Ricardo are not going anywhere. Believe us! Yet Diabate is now the subject of speculation. The 21-year-old honestly failed to make the grade at Leicester City, despite some top-quality attributes. Here is Get Football News France:

"“Ouest-France report this afternoon that Ligue 1 strugglers SM Caen are interested in signing Leicester City attacker Fousseni Diabaté.”"

While the probability of Ghezzal’s future will almost certainly be with him staying a Leicester City player – for now. This is because of manager Claude Puel’s previous apparently strong relationship at Olympic Lyonnais with the wide man.

Not to mention the Foxes director of recruitment wanting to prove their astuteness from a reported £12.6m investment. If the Algerian replacement does not improve his woefully drab displays he will be gone in the summer.

It still seems Ghezzal has something special, although only a few can see ‘it’ – that ‘je ne sais quoi’. Whether that eventually translates to the Premier League is debatable. Though he has had half the time to prove himself in comparison with the man from Aubervilliers, France.

As we can see above, BBC Sport‘s Ian Stinger, who is in constant contact with Puel and team, explaining the gaffer’s latest thoughts on the highly rated wing-starlet, Harvey Barnes. Stating the West Brom loanee will return to the King Power Stadium soon.

According to Leicester Mercury, the West Midlands club seek assurances from Leicester City over the 21-year-old’s probable departure. With the Mercury also quoting Puel as changing his subtly whispered-tune to: “We will see”.

Puel saying this is definitely ominous for the Baggies; basically anyone can see it is almost positive Barnes will return this month. Possibly in time for the FA Cup game at Newport County on January 6.

A cup outing versus respectively lesser opposition eases the transition for the Englishman. However, that is only three days away from the time of writing so a Barnes homecoming for Southampton on the 12th in the premiership is more feasible. Either way, he could be as impactful as a new signing.

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Can Barnes do it in the Premier League?

Yes; with all factors taken into account it seems likely the Young Lion can make a decent impact on the Premier League. If he does indeed hit the ground running, so to speak hitting form with a similar explosiveness of output as for the baggies, Leicester are laughing.

Barnes’ ratio is nine finishes, along with seven supplies as of halfway in the Championship. Magical statistics. However, reality is it does not always apply higher; so don’t hold your breath, but be excited.

Should Ghezzal or Diabate be sold or loaned?

Ghezzal needs some time and more minutes in the side to endear himself to the Blue Army and improve his standing in the pecking order. Albeit with his single goal and no assists in 13 appearances looming over his head next to Riyad Mahrez’s legacy. Whereas Diabate may never get his opportunity; expect an imminent departure on loan following one league game this campaign.

With the nine points in twelve from an immensely testing Christmas schedule, Puel and his players look forward to establishing themselves as the best of the rest in 7th place.