Leicester City linked with fastest Bundesliga CB and €40million signing
By Nathan Wong
As the summer transfer window approaches, Leicester City prepare for a rebuild of the playing squad as Brendan Rodgers aims to make the Foxes into a top-six challenging side once again. As the rumour mill spins with ever-increasing ferocity, LCFC have been linked strongly to two players at opposite ends of the pitch.
Leicester City eye Jeremiah St. Juste
The first of these options is Jeremiah St. Juste, a 25-year-old Dutch centre back currently playing for Mainz in the Bundesliga. For those that play the game Fifa, St. Juste is one of the fastest players in the game with a pace rating of 91. In real life, the Dutchman has also backed up his virtual speed by clocking the fastest sprint speed in the Bundesliga. This impressive speed of 36.63km/h is even faster than other speedsters such as Erling Haaland and Alphonso Davies.
What’s more, German journalist Christian Falk has confirmed that Leicester holds an interest in the defender, along with West Ham United and a couple of Bundesliga clubs. The defender would reportedly be available for just £10m which is a relatively small figure. However, whilst an injection of pace into the backline would be much welcomed, ‘SJ’ has some issues with other areas of his game.
St. Juste scores extremely low for passing metrics, casting doubt over his ability to progress the ball. Therefore, despite his explosive pace, the ‘CB’ may not be the right fit for the Foxes. A left-footed centre-back with better passing ability being more desirable.
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Charles De Ketelaere
Leicester City also are hoping to add Belgian youngster Charles De Ketelaere to join fellow Belgians Timothy Castagne and Youri Tielemans. De Ketelaere, a 21-year-old Belgian attacker, currently plays for Club Brugge and is extremely highly rated. Positionally versatile, he can play up front, on the left, or in attacking midfield. Having already contributed to over 20 goals this season, it is unsurprising that Leicester are not the only club interested. Nevertheless, journalist Alexandre Braeckman has reported that Leicester’s interest is a ‘priority’ although negotiations remain slow and without an offer as yet.
As a player, De Ketelaere stands at 6″4, yet is not the most physical or aerially dominant player. His main attributes are instead his technical prowess and his game intelligence. For such a young player, this is something to take note of. Unlike St. Juste, De Ketelaere will command a hefty transfer fee due to his potential and performance. This is thought to be up to the €40m mark which means Leicester City must think carefully.
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Undoubtedly, the Belgian would add significant quality, yet it is difficult to see where he fits in. One line of thinking is that he may provide competition, albeit extremely expensive competition, for James Maddison. Maybe he could be brought in to replace Madders, though let us hope that is not the case. Regardless, it will be interesting to see whether Leicester further pursue their interest in the Belgian, and who may have to make way if he does come.