Transfer Rumour: Fernando Llorente to Leicester City discussed
Fernando Llorente is an effective understudy to Jamie Vardy in attack for Leicester City, possibly even complimentary in a duo. Yet Spurs’ striker is a stopgap in the search for competition or a successor to the Foxes’ No.9.
If it were five or four years ago, signing Fernando Llorente would be a dream for Leicester City. While the 34-year-old still has much to offer, especially when considering his combined contribution of 13 direct goal involvements in a total of 34 appearances for Tottenham 2018/19.
Brendan Rodgers is known to be in the market for a striker who can provide assistance, support, competition and a threat alongside, or in backup to, the still deadly Jamie Vardy. With Shinji Okazaki leaving King Power Stadium and Kelechi Iheanacho still struggling, another proven European top-flight league forward is necessary.
The Sun began the rumour of Llorente possibly joining the Foxes at the weekend, this followed their apparent scoop that the Spaniard is to depart Spurs’ ranks:
"FERNANDO LLORENTE has attracted interest from West Ham and Leicester ahead of his departure from Tottenham.SunSport revealed earlier this month the Spain striker will leave Spurs despite his heroics getting the club to next week’s Champions League final.He is set to leave on a free transfer and has Napoli looking to take him back to Italy and also La Liga clubs weighing up a move.While Barcelona are also reportedly eyeing up a move for Llorente to provide competition for Luis Suarez.But West Ham and Leicester are ready to offer him the chance to stay in the Premier League after three years with Swansea and Spurs.Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is looking to bolster his attacking options with Andy Carroll injured and out of contract.And Brendan Rodgers wants support for Jamie Vardy in his attack and has lost Shinji Okazai this summer.Via: SunSport"
It feels as though the current Spurs forward would be better suited to West Ham United. With Andy Carroll constantly injured, they do not have a competent target man. Marko Arnautovic is a brilliant player and may continue in that role but does so much more than hold up play and close finishing. However the Austrian may leave, giving Llorente the green light with the Hammers.
In addition Rodgers said a taller, less mobile striker wouldn’t fit in with his playing style on Filbert Way. Although Foxes of Leicester believe a ‘big man’ is an excellent option to have on any substitute bench.
Should Leicester City go for Llorente?
Llorente was a promising talent, 15-years-ago. He is and was an effective finisher throughout his career, that is not in doubt. Yet as a viable transfer for Leicester City, this writer feels at 34 the former Athletic Bilbao hitman is only a stopgap as City need to find a suitable successor to Vardy.
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Yes, the ex-Juventus man can do so much more than just head, trap and protect the ball: at six-foot-five he is able to support his teammates with superb link-up movement, controlled play and invention with quick thought.
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Like all Spanish internationals – or amateur Spanish players if you have ever played with or against them – Llorente is also technically proficient and a truly skilled performer. Think a classier Islam Slimani – who may still return rendering this entirely futile. Though FoL think a younger striker who fits the system and ethos more similarly to Leicester’s existing No.9 is a preferable investment. Not to mention possibly being the choice which requires lesser wages as an understudy.