Can Leicester City solve their striker problem this transfer window?
By Matt Taylor
As the notoriously hectic January transfer window draws to a close, Leicester City are still yet to make any significant movement in the transfer market.
Despite sitting 9th in the Premier League table, Leicester City are only the division’s 11th highest goal- scorers, trailing behind rivals such as Everton and Watford. With an underwhelming 29 goals in 23 games, it certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea to invest in some attacking reinforcements this month.
The Foxes’ attacking depth (or lack of) is certainly a cause for concern, especially when considering that Kelechi Iheanacho and Shinji Okazaki have just one Premier League goal between them this season. Meanwhile, Islam Slimani has failed to impress on loan at Fenerbahce. It seems that Leicester must look elsewhere for goals in the second half of the 18/19 campaign.
Here's @TB7Fox with a theory on #lcfc transfers and the fact that Leicester City should be challenging teams around them for their quality targets and signings: https://t.co/Fq7XPUnd6g
— Foxes of Leicester (@FoxesofLCFC) January 28, 2019
Although, it can be argued that Iheanacho, at just 22 years of age, needs more game-time to develop into a top, prolific striker. The Nigerian has shown glimpses of the talent that prompted Leicester City to splash £25 million to sign him, most notably in the 3-1 victory over Huddersfield back in September, which saw him grab a goal and an assist.
However, the ex-Manchester City player is usually more effective as a support striker to Jamie Vardy, when what Leicester are really missing is another out-and-out number 9. This may become even more of an issue, depending on how Vardy’s recent groin situation progresses. Also, when brought off the bench in games against tight defences, Iheanacho doesn’t offer enough physicality or threat.
When asked about new signings following City’s shock exit from the FA Cup at Newport, Claude Puel had insisted that there would be no transfer activity:
"“We will see what will happen in the transfer window, but I think in the winter transfer window we cannot have good possibilities and good players available,” “We need to keep our focus on the team, to play all the Premier League games remaining and then we will see in the summer.” (Via: Leicester Mercury)"
Even after reiterating that City will not be making any signings this window, the obligatory links have flooded across social media this week. Here are three realistic signings that could potentially improve Leicester’s attacking options in the second half of the season.