Leicester City the pivotal team in an interesting summer transfer window
The summer transfer window is integral to every club’s season, but not many can argue their club’s business is pivotal to the entire league. Leicester City can.
That statement isn’t really biased. Leicester’s incomings and outgoings will indeed decide how the Premier League table looks in May next year.
The UEFA Nations League has concluded. England deservedly finished third place but two of their better performers were from the Foxes duo, Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire. Delve into England’s U-21 sides and you’ll find Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Hamza Choudhury and Demarai Gray.
Six integral players for Leicester find themselves at the height of international competition just for England. The squad is rich with young talents, primarily English, but there’s also Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho of Nigeria, Ricardo Pereira of Portugal, Caglar Soyuncu of Turkey and Filip Benkovic of Croatia.
James Maddison can be Leicester City and England’s lynch pin for years. light. Must Read
There are not many clubs internationally that bolster such impressive young talents, and within the Premier League, there’s no other club progressing English talents as well as Leicester. But, what does this all mean for the league table?
Initially, Leicester need to ensure they don’t sell the entirety of this promising squad with a plethora of the top clubs interested in a number of players.
This instantly has an impact on the title race. Not many would argue against another two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City, and with both reportedly wanting James Maddison and the latter interested in Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire, Leicester keeping hold of these players will inherently prevent both the teams from improving.
The battle for the UEFA Champions League spots is going to be closely fought next season. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea seem to be the top candidates, but with latter’s transfer ban and Spurs’ refusal to improve their squad, there is potential for an underdog like Leicester and even Wolverhampton Wanderers to clinch one of the two spots.
Wolves impressively managed to achieve Europa League football last year with their Portuguese core but they would need to keep recruiting if they’re to make Champions League a reality.
Leicester need to do the same. Both clubs have had crucial players rumoured to be leaving as Pep Guardiola is also a long-term admirer of Ruben Neves. Keeping hold of these players and adding quality will almost confirm European football for one of these two clubs.
Also. Harvey Barnes compliments Leicester City teammate. light
If Leicester do keep the squad that caught the eyes of so many last season, they’re already ensuring how the title race and European spots play out. The most exciting and important part of the Premier League is all in Leicester’s hands.
All this control without even coming to the recruitment side of Leicester’s transfer window. This is the side that causes a knock-on effect on the bottom end of the league table.
Leicester have made it clear that Lewis Dunk will be replacing Maguire if he does move on to either of the Manchester clubs, and with it, they are removing a key component of an already shaky backline at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The sale of Lewis Dunk isn’t the only reason Brighton could find themselves in relegation troubles, but it would definitely provide a catalyst to a situation that isn’t looking optimistic currently.
Leicester also seem to be interested in talent from the Scottish Premiership (sensible given the history of Brendan Rodgers) and the Sky Bet Championship – two leagues that lower-tier Premier League teams tend to venture into.
Leicester have targeted Kieran Tierney as the suitable replacement to Chilwell if he moves on to City and also looked at Callum McGregor as an extra option to bolster the squad’s midfield.
Next. Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly agree deal for Leicester City target Lewis Dunk’s replacement. dark
Justin James of Luton Town is reportedly coming ever closer to a move to the King Power Stadium, a player on the radar for a lot of championship and top flight clubs.
It’s only June. There’s been little movement from Leicester but each individual transfer slowly dictates the outcome of the League. Quite a position to be in.