Leicester chase high-flying Lille’s Boubakary Soumaré

January’s transfer window witnessed a late Leicester City clutch for Watford’s Nathaniel Chalobah. While the bid failed, the Foxes have identified midfield recruitment as a priority and Boubakary Soumaré could be the man for the squad.

Tall, dynamic and a footballing pedigree honed at Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, Soumaré would give the Foxes another player in the physical mould of Wilfried Ndidi and Hamza Choudhury. For the latter player, this could indicate Leicester’s summer plans, with early rumours suggesting Choudhury is set for a Crystal Palace switch to head up the team’s much-needed regeneration.

Friday’s spread of the potential Soumaré move likened the player to Paul Pogba, HITC invoked a comparison based on strength and mobility. While both players fit that broad description, what the Frenchman provides is significantly different from Pogba. The Lille midfielder regularly occupies a space in a 4-4-2 system partnered with Benjamin André. Together the pair contribute to Lille’s defensive foundation, equalling PSG for the least goals conceded.

Per FBref, André is statistically represented as a diminutive hard-tackler in the mould of N’golo Kante. While Soumaré‘s strength lies in his ability to retain possession and identify passes to start attacking phases of play. His addition to the team could see the Frenchman adopt a deep-midfield role akin to Youri Tielemans. Having the highest accrued minutes in the league this season, Tielemans occupies a singularly filled duty in the squad, Soumaré would provide a similar option.

Leicester’s style under Brendan Rodgers has seen the team adopt a possession-heavy strategy. Given Leicester’s issues with injuries this season, and with a potential Champions League campaign on the horizon, having authentic depth will be Leicester’s top priority in their summer recruitment policy.

With reported loan moves for Christian Eriksen and Martin Ødegaard failing, Leicester’s pursuit of Soumaré would be more fitting to the club’s apparent transfer policy. Identifying young talents such as Wesley Fofana, James Maddison and Wilfried Ndidi has become an important part of the club’s sporting brand identity.

Téléfoot Chaine reported in September that the French midfielder is free to leave should he wish. His effective partnership with André and Lille’s successful season could see these circumstances change. Should Soumaré be available in the summer, Leicester City will potentially face competition from the likes of Manchester United for his signature.