Will this goalscoring loanee be in the Leicester squad next season?
Leicester City striker, George Hirst has continued to develop whilst on loan at Portsmouth but his future at the club remains up in the air.
Leicester Mercury reports that conversations will be had over the summer in regards to his future at Filbert Way. Hirst has found form for Portsmouth since breaking into Danny Cowley’s side this season.
"“I don’t really know of any conversations which have taken place, personally, to be honest. That’s not to say they’ve not been had, though. Maybe it’s one to ask the gaffer about. But if I keep scoring the goals things will take care of themselves.”George Hirst"
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Since matchday 17, the Leicester City loanee has scored 10 goals and contributed three assists in League One. The 23-year-old’s contract with the Foxes expires at the end of next season, meaning that he will be needing to make an impression in the final stages of this season to secure his future at the club.
Hirst poses a different threat going forward to what the Foxes currently have in their ranks. He is 191cm tall (six-feet-three-inches), making him a constant aerial threat in the box.
Brendan Rodgers faces the conundrum of trying to get the most out of an ageing Jamie Vardy, whilst making sure the squad is prepared for the future. City currently have Patson Daka who possesses similar qualities to Vardy but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League. There is also the uniquely different option of fan favourite Kelechi Iheanacho.
Hirst would bring in a different set of skills to the other strikers at the club if he were to be included in next season’s squad. However, he would face tough competition for a spot in the side with three other strikers all vying for one position on the pitch.
In the meantime, Foxes fans will be boosted by the fact that Vardy’s return from injury is on the horizon as Rodgers confirmed his return to training. Leicester have struggled in the absence of the 35-year-old after the East Midlands side dropped points in consecutive games to Newcastle United and Everton.
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The King Power club now prepare for their Midlands derby clash against Aston Villa on Saturday. Three points will be needed as the Foxes look to build momentum heading into their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Roma on Thursday.