Ever since the January transfer window – in which Leicester City were unable to add to their squad – Brendan Rodgers has spoken of a big summer window in which there will be a significant re-shape of his squad. Now, more details have emerged of the summer rebuild, with a very reliable source giving two names that the Foxes have been scouting.
The Telegraph’s Midlands reporter, John Percy, has confirmed that Rodgers is looking at signing a midfielder – specifically one who plays the box-to-box No.8 role -, a centre back, and a right winger. Rodgers wants all of his new recruits to be able to fit straight into his starting XI.
Percy – who is a must-follow on Twitter for updates on Leicester City – has listed two players who have been heavily scouted this season; names that should excite supporters: Noni Madueke and Brennan Johnson. With both experiencing fantastic campaigns for their respective clubs, either would be exactly the type of attacking player that the Foxes faithful have been crying out for in the last few seasons. Oh, did I mention that both are right wingers?
Without further ado, here is a breakdown of both Madueke and Johnson, what they can add to the Leicester squad, and how much they are likely to cost.
Leicester City want Noni Madueke
Madueke’s name should ring familiar to many readers; he was one of the many names rumoured to be destined for LCFC last summer in their hunt for a right winger. Rumours flew around of a potential move, until he signed a new four-year-deal with PSV Eindhoven, resulting in the Foxes turning to Ademola Lookman.
Whilst Lookman has been a successful signing, his best moments have been whilst playing on the left of the pitch rather than the right. Lookman could still join on a permanent deal, however he will not be the solution to the issue at right wing.
Born in London, Madueke had spells with both Tottenham and Crystal Palace’s youth academies until his made the bold decision, in January 2019, to join the PSV youth system. Quickly progressing through the ranks in the Netherlands, he signed for the first-team squad in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since.
Still only 20, the right winger – known for his speed and fantastic dribbling ability – has become one of the most exciting youth prospects in the Dutch Eredivisie. Overall, he has made 65 appearances for PSV, scoring 18 and assisting 13.
This season, he’s played 13 games in the league, as well as playing in the Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League, and now the Conference League, making 29 appearances across all competitions – scoring nine and assisting five. These numbers would be a lot higher if not for a muscle injury that has seen him miss a sizeable chunk of the season.
A right winger by trade, Madueke has also been seen deployed more centrally, so he offers versatility to Rodgers if he decides to pursue his transfer. Madueke will be known by Foxes’ left back Luke Thomas; both have recently played together for the England U21s against Andorra U21 as the Young Lions won the game 4-1. Madueke then came on as a substitute against Albania U21, winning his third cap at that level for England.
Fans, and Brendan Rodgers, will have the chance of seeing Madueke play in person on Thursday as his PSV side head to the King Power to play the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final against the Foxes, with the second leg back in Eindhoven a week later. Perhaps these two fixtures will serve as Madueke’s main audition to the recruitment team, and to show Leicester fans what he can offer.
Currently valued by Transfermarkt as £16.2m, the Red and whites man’s new deal will ultimately bring the fee closer to, if not more than, £20m in order to permanently acquire his services. A significant price, but one that will pay off dividends if he can continue his fantastic personal progression. He is certainly one to keep an eye out for, wherever he ends up.
Brennan Johnson
From a player who will face Leicester on Thursday, to one who has already played, scored, and won against Leicester City this season: Nottingham Forrest’s Brennan Johnson. Of course, I am talking about the 4-1 FA Cup horror-show loss at the City Ground – sorry for the reminder.
Having been a part of a side that beat Arsenal and Leicester in back-to-back FA Cup rounds, naturally Johnson has garnered some attention. But the Welsh international has been doing the business for Forrest all season.
Much like Madueke, Johnson is only 20, yet is performing to incredible heights. Loaned out to League One side Lincoln City last season (making 40 appearances, scoring 10, and assisting 12), Forrest clearly saw that Johnson was ready to make the jump to first-team Championship football this campaign.
Well, Forrest was correct and Johnson has gone on to have an brilliant season for his boyhood club. So far, Johnson has made 40 appearances in all competitions (36 in the league), scoring 12 goals, and adding another 5 assists to his tally. His form has helped Steve Cooper’s side push for a promotion play-off place, remarkable considering the mess that Forrest was in at the start of the season.
Johnson possesses raw speed, exciting dribbling, and has built up a healthy relationship with scoring. If he can transfer his goal tally to Leicester, it would be a huge boost for the side as they have often missed that Harvey Barnes-esque goal threat on the right-flank.
Having already played 9 games for Wales, as well as playing against Arsenal, Leicester, and Liverpool, Johnson has shown that he can perform at the highest level; a move to the Premier League is inevitable. Currently contracted to Forrest until 2023, and showing no signs of renewing that deal, Johnson will be on a lot of Premier League club’s radar’s.
His name has been linked to Newcastle, Leeds and Crystal Palace, and Brentford had an £18m offer rejected by Forrest in January. This, perhaps, means that a similar fee – if not more – will be required to sign Johnson in the summer. Leicester City will be hoping to be the first in that queue.
Ultimately, if the Foxes can secure the signature of either of these two talented youngsters, it will add a new dimension to their squad and to their attacking play. This is set to be a very exciting summer indeed. (Words by Will Kennedy)