Oh, Riyad Mahrez, how Leicester City have missed your dazzling presence on the right-wing! Whilst the Algerian has not endeared himself to Foxes fans since leaving the King Power, his loss is still felt even after two years. As of yet, no one has managed to fill the Mahrez-shaped hole on the right-hand side.
After another failed pretender (Cengiz Ünder) last season, it’s imperative that the Foxes recruit a match-winning RW this transfer window. Therefore, these are some potential options that could light up the KPS in the coming season.
Should Leicester City use what they have?
Marc Albrighton, Rachid Ghezzal and Kamal Sowah
Stick or twist, that is the question. One solution would be to utilise current options, though this would probably not be wise with the Foxes aiming to challenge the top-four. Marc Albrighton is a fans favourite, and a trusty presence on the wing. Let’s not forget his quality on the ball too. Yet, he is not the goal-scorer or match-winner Leicester City need.
Meanwhile, Kamal Sowah has had a relatively successful spell at OH Leuven, with 13 goal involvements in 34 appearances. However, it would probably be wise for the young winger to spend another season on loan, potentially in England to gain more experience, rather than being given a baptism of fire. Potentially Rodgers may use him as a squad option, to provide depth in what will be another gruelling season.
Rachid Ghezzal, the ‘Poundland Mahrez’ has flattered to deceive when he has played for Leicester City. Whilst the same position and nationality as his Algerian counterpart, Rachid has shown little of the quality that Mahrez treated us to regularly. Despite struggling in the Premier League, Ghezzal has been in excellent form on-loan at Besiktas, managing 18 assists and 7 goals. Such statistics are promising, although respectfully occurring in a much less demanding league. Regardless, his renaissance will likely help put him in the shop window rather than see him return to Brendan Rodgers’ side next season.
Chance of any of these taking Mahrez’s throne: 2/10- Leicester City are too ambitious to do this… I hope!
Matheus Pereira
Of all the options, this is the most viable, although Leicester City face competition from several other Premier League sides, including Leeds United. Despite playing in a struggling West Brom side, Matheus Pereira impressed many with his classy displays, a beacon of hope amidst a storm of relegation.
Matheus is both affordable due to the Baggies’ relegation, but also proven at the highest level, a dream combination. His versatility also increases his value to the team, as he can play in the ’10’ as well as on both wings without looking too out of place.
Pereira’s underlying numbers are superb, given his team’s struggles. He scored an impressive 11 goals and assisted 6 times, although overperforming his XG by 4.05. For a more in-depth explanation of this statistic, you can read up on it here. This overperformance shows his quality but also the nature of the chances he is receiving, many being from low-percentage areas. Also apparent is the lack of quality from his teammates in helping to provide him with chances. A fine example of this is his goal against Arsenal, highlighting his dribbling and finishing abilities but also how he had to create the chance all by himself.
In a possession-based side, Pereira is likely to see much more of the ball. This is in addition to playing alongside higher-calibre teammates. As a result, he will likely have more quality chances as well as more opportunities to assist. It would be exciting to see an attacking quartet of Barnes, Vardy, Maddison and Pereira, potentially the best Leicester City has ever had.
As of yet, there is no concrete interest from Leicester City, but with a reported £15 million fee, this seems too good to turn down. It’s probably unlikely WBA would sell for such a low sum, given he is their star player, but anything under £30 million would be a reasonable price to pay for such attacking talent.
Chance of this happening: 8/10- Please make this happen
Viktor Tsygankov
Tsygankov is an exciting winger who has been linked with a move to a ‘bigger league’ for several seasons. At Dynamo Kyiv, he has shown an eye for goal, with 12 goals in just 20 appearances last season. These are impressive numbers for a striker let alone a winger. Furthermore, Tsygankov may be another solution to perennial set-piece issues, with him being a superb set-piece taker.
Tsygankov would be a ‘risk’ due to his lack of experience in a ‘top five’ European league, but sometimes risks have to be taken. Nevertheless, whether LCFC takes that risk is another matter, with the right-wing position an area that must be properly filled.
If anything were to occur, it would probably be on the back of the Euros, with a good showing from Tsygankov driving his market value up. Personally, this is a transfer I’d like to see, as Tsygankov has the goalscoring ability to get fans’ mouths watering. If being picky, he remains a little one-footed from what I’ve seen of him, but is not a massive issue. After all, Mahrez preferred to cut inside mainly too!
Again, this will depend on the value for money, with a deal under £25 million being a potential bargain. Anything more would begin to venture into the overly risky, although evidence points to this player being ready for a step up. Nevertheless, Tsygankov remains an intriguing possibility, and it is worth checking out this article for a more in-depth look.
Chance of this happening: 5/10
Noni Madueke
Another English talent forging his reputation overseas, Madueke has followed in the footsteps of stars such as Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
In Holland, this season, Madueke’s game time has been limited due to injury and attitude issues, although he has still registered 11 goal involvements despite only starting 7 times. He’s a big talent, nonetheless, Madueke needs to improve his attitude, which recently saw him dropped by his manager. Certainly, at Leicester City, he would have to improve these things to have a chance of starting.
Madueke is an exciting talent and with PSV reportedly willing to sell at around £20 million, there’s a deal to be done. Regarding the player himself, there is huge potential to be fulfilled with Madueke just 19 years of age and extremely highly rated, breaking into the England U-21’s. Nevertheless, potentiality and actuality are two very different things, and the proof is ultimately in the pudding.
In an ideal world, he would rip apart the Eredivisie next season, but this would likely see him appreciate in value, outside of Leicester’s budget. Therefore, Madueke’s potential transfer poses a dilemma of risk for LCFC.
Risks are inevitable in such transfers, but for such an important position and in an uncertain climate, these need to be calculated fully. Rest assured, the LCFC recruitment team will certainly be carrying out the necessary checks if he is to be purchased.
Chance of happening: 5/10
Daniel James
Much hype was given to Daniel James when he joined Manchester United for £15 million in summer 2019, and thus he was thrown into the deep end. Two years later, and the 23-year-old Welshman is now on the fringes of the Red Devils side, and reportedly up for sale.
James possesses a frightening turn of pace, just remember his goal against Brentford a couple of seasons ago; yet too often lacks the finish to match. This has led to him gaining a reputation as a ‘pace merchant’. Yet, Dan has said he is “nowhere near his potential” and has much to improve. A positive attitude is undoubtedly the first step to success.
With James featuring at the Euros this summer, this remains an opportunity to impress either his parent club or potential buyers, LCFC included. This could give a better indication of whether a transfer is viable, although international tournaments can often give players an unfairly inflated or deflated reputation.
Would the winger be good enough to command a starting berth at Leicester City? Probably not, although Brendan Rodgers has a reputation for taking ‘silver medalists’ and improving them. Therefore, there may be a place for James as a rotation player, since he can play on both wings. On the surface, this may seem an unspectacular deal, but don’t be too surprised if James finds a move to the Foxes next season.
Chance of happening: 7/10; Chance of him taking Riyad’s throne: 4/10
A sensational return for Riyad to Leicester City?
Would the magician himself return to the club that made him into a world superstar? Mahrez has gone from strength to strength since leaving Leicester City, being particularly impressive last campaign. Despite this, the departure of Citizen legend Sergio Aguero has led to reports of several players including Mahrez, being sold to fund a star replacement.
It would be sensational for Mahrez to return, even for those fans that have booed his returns to the KPS. Unfortunately, despite the reports, Mahrez himself stated (according to DZ football) “There is nothing about my future. I am well in Manchester. I will stay God Willing.” Secondly, it is highly unlikely the Foxes would be able to afford to either repurchase their once star asset or pay his extremely high wages. It was worth dreaming about though, right?
Chance of happening: 5000/1- Nothing is ever impossible?