The transfer window is still in its early stages, but Leicester City have already made great strides to correct the wrongs of last season with the signings of Boubakary Soumaré and Patson Daka.
Ryan Bertrand is now set to join Leicester City on a free transfer, likely to be announced soon. Although not met with the same ‘hype’ as the rumours surrounding Robin Gosens, Bertrand may prove to be another shrewd acquisition by Jon Rudkin.
Ryan Bertrand can still do a job on the pitch
Whilst Bertrand represents a departure from the trend of signing young players, the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer, with 258 appearances at Premier League level. Furthermore, Bertrand is comfortable at either bombing forward as a wing-back or playing a more defensive full-back role, with both being utilised in Hasenhüttl’s high-pressing system.
Last season at Southampton saw him play a more defensive role in Southampton’s 4-4-2. Often Bertrand ended up tucking into a ‘back 3’ allowing his full-back partner to bomb forward. This could work well at Leicester City with Bertrand allowing Castagne and Ricardo to utilise their attacking talents. What’s more, this offers Rodgers the ability to easily switch formations in-game. In terms of his strengths, Smarterscout indicates that Bertrand offers an aerial presence and is tough in the tackle, despite not being the tallest full-back around. It’s also worth mentioning that the Englishman is extremely comfortable on the ball even if he isn’t the same attacking force as other EPL full-backs.
How he will help Leicester City’s other full-backs
Bertrand is not only a proven Premier League player, but also an experienced head in the dressing room. With the departure of Christian Fuchs, Bertrand will be a crucial presence as a dressing room leader, and an example for younger players to follow.
Alongside experience at the top level, Bertrand also brings a winning mentality, having won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2013.
Brendan Rodgers highly rates Luke Thomas and Bertrand’s impending arrival will only aid his development. Although a promising talent, Thomas remains inexperienced and has much to learn. Bertrand will hopefully prove to be an excellent mentor in both attacking and defensive areas, whilst also holding his own on the field. Furthermore, Bertrand is unlikely to start every game, and more game time for Thomas will only be beneficial.
With James Justin recovering from injury, Bertrand will hold the fort until the ‘Luton Cafu’ gets back to his best. When this happens, there will hopefully be stern competition for the left-back slot; perhaps allowing Luke Thomas to be loaned out.
Whilst Leicester City are unlikely to be short of left-back options (Castagne and Ricardo can play there comfortably), it’s preferable to have a left-footed LB as it massively aids ball progression. Bertrand will provide this alongside more impetus and thrust on the left, whilst simultaneously freeing up Leicester’s other talents.
Cheap and cheerful
Due to the expiration of his contract on July 1st, Leicester City will be able to sign Ryan Bertrand on a free transfer. Although Bertrand will still command a reasonable wage as well as performance-related bonuses, this represents excellent value for money when considering the price of Robin Gosens.
Whilst Bertrand doesn’t offer the same attacking threat as Gosens, saving £30-40m will allow LCFC to invest in other areas, adding greater balance to the side whilst adding sufficient quality to the squad.
How Leicester can consolidate their early business
Getting signings done early is hugely beneficial to team cohesion; allowing new signings to integrate into the side and acclimatise to tactics. Furthermore, avoiding the late deadline-day scramble reduces the risk of Leicester City being held to ransom by clubs, which has happened in years gone by.
A ‘perfect’ transfer window given the circumstances would be the signing of another centre back, as well as a prolific right-winger. One option on the wings could be Stade Rennais’ Jeremy Doku who was electric against Italy in Belgium’s quarter-final tie, recording 8 successful take-ons. Unfortunately for the Foxes, if they are interested in the young Belgian they will face competition. Although LCFC are in a better position to compete than they have ever been.
One sticking point is that Rennes signed Doku for £23m meaning they may be reluctant to sell for an affordable fee. Even so, the financial crisis in French football may necessitate such sales and it’s worth keeping an eye out for whether this story develops over the summer.