Can Leicester City solve their striker problem this transfer window?
By Matt Taylor
Charlie Austin
After being deemed surplus to requirements by new Saints manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Austin was linked with a move to the Foxes this week, via: Daily Mail.
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Although, City’s interest in the Englishman stretches back to his prolific days at QPR during the 2014/15 season, as Austin turned heads scoring an impressive 18 Premier League goals in a struggling side that ultimately finished bottom.
The out of favour striker, standing at 6ft 2 inches tall, is primarily known for his physicality and would offer an immediate solution to Leicester City’s target-man shaped hole. Also, he is no stranger to current City boss, Claude Puel. During the 2016/17 season, under the Frenchman’s management, Austin scored nine goals in all competitions, including two in the Europa League.
Leicester have been crying out for a physical presence up front since the departures of both Leonardo Ulloa and Slimani last summer. Austin undoubtedly meets the criteria of an aerially competent striker and if he can replicate the form consistently shown at QPR, and occasionally seen at Southampton, he could be the answer to City’s problems.
On the other hand, the obvious drawbacks to this potential signing, other than his age, are the frequent injuries sustained in recent years. Since the beginning of 2016/17, Austin has missed 44 games due to injury. (stat via: transfermarkt)
Granted, these persistent ailments may hinder the impact that the 29-year-old will make at City, but with just 18 months left on his contract, Austin has the potential to be a bargain for the Foxes, provided that they don’t overpay for the striker in an inflated January market.