Leicester’s Dennis Praet has difficult decision as Arsenal circle
By Nathan Wong
An unfortunate necessity of football is player sales, and Leicester City will need to do some if they are to achieve their goals in the transfer market. Whilst Youri Tielemans has been the focus of much transfer speculation of the wrong kind, this time it’s another Belgian midfielder who is linked with an exit.
The lowdown on Leicester City midfielder Dennis Praet
Dennis Praet has been a solid signing since joining, with his versatility across the midfield making him a valued squad player. In total, Praet has made 64 appearances for Leicester City, with 25 coming from the bench. Nevertheless this season Praet has been on the fringes, with just three appearances coming in 2021.
With the impending arrival of Boubakary Soumaré and the return of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Praet’s game time may be further reduced despite another busy schedule next season.
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Understandably, a player of Dennis’ quality desires regular football, given that he also wants to keep his place in the Belgium national team. Praet gave an interview last month stating his lack of playing time is “a shame and painful” as he “wants to play”. Therefore, Praet may seek reassurances over his game time, or an exit from the KPS to help his career. Although it’s difficult to blame him for wanting regular football at the top level, this would be a shame.
Who’s interested?
According to multiple sources including the Athletic, Arsenal are potentially willing to purchase the Belgian, having tried to buy him as well in 2019. There is also interest back in Italy, where Praet came from, although the crippled finances across Europe may price Praet out of a move there.
Ultimately, according to Leicester Mercury, LCFC will be willing to sanction a move if they receive an “acceptable offer” which is likely to be around the £20m they paid, even in a COVID-depressed market.
How will he be replaced?
With two effectively new midfielders in KDH and Soumaré, it may be that Praet doesn’t require ‘replacing’ as such, especially with finances being tight.
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Due to missing out on UCL, LCFC are unlikely to register a net-spend of more than £30m, and with £45m already spent, further permanent signings will require sales first. Praet’s transfer fee could be reinvested in other areas of the squad where depth is needed: Left-back, centre back and right-winger positions. To alleviate the cost of this, the loan market could be utilised with potential options likely to materialise shortly.