Which out-of-contract players should Leicester City keep this summer
By Matt Taylor
Shinji Okazaki
Shinji Okazaki was integral to Leicester’s incessant pressing and counter attacking style that saw them romp to the Premier League title by 10 points in 2015/16. Like Fuchs, the Japanese international joined from the Bundesliga while Nigel Pearson was still manager and had an immediate impact in their debut season at the King Power.
The ever-energetic striker was a perfect foil to the emphatic Jamie Vardy, while scoring a few important goals himself, including a magnificent overhead kick that helped City overcome Newcastle in the latter stages of their title charge. Okazaki embodied everything that made that side so successful. His dogged determination earned him plenty of plaudits, while his constant cheeky smile easily won over the Foxes fan base.
This season has not seen the 32-year-old at his best, however. In 21 appearances, the striker is yet to score and has made only one assist. Unfortunately, his rather specific style of play is incompatible with the system that Claude Puel is trying to implement at Leicester. A style that suits the likes of Maddison and Iheanacho but has left Shinji behind.
The Japanese international simply doesn’t have the same impact from the bench anymore and just doesn’t offer enough to justify a place in the starting XI. If he moves on this summer, the extra wages will allow the Foxes to bring in another, younger striker who will make more of an impact. For example, a player like Che Adams.
Verdict:
Sadly, it is time that Okazaki went on to greener pastures with fresh opportunities. City should have arguably cashed in during the January transfer window when Huddersfield Town made a bid.