3 players who could still sign for Leicester City before the season starts

Ismaila Sarr

One defender, one midfielder, and now a right winger. If this were a week ago, you could have bet that I’d be writing about Charles De Ketelaere here, however the exciting Belgian is now expected to sign for Italian champions AC Milan. Benjamin Bourigeaud has also been linked, but there are conflicting reports as to how valid Leicester’s interest is in the Frenchman.

No other true right wingers have been linked with Leicester City – the noise around Noni Madueke disappeared before the end of the season – and, before you ask, no, Ademola Lookman is not a right winger. This led me to look over the market to see who is available, and Sarr’s name popped out.

The Senegalese international is still young – 24 – but has already collected a vast amount of footballing experience across his career. Entering his fourth year at Watford, Sarr’s contract currently expires in 2024 and, having just experienced a second relegation with the Hornets, he may be tempted by a new challenge.

Whilst his numbers weren’t the best this season – 22 appearances with five goals and two assists, he was still effective and a dangerman for opposition defences with his pace and dribbling two of his key assets. In total, he has played 92 games for Watford, scored 24 and has provided 18 assists.

This season, he saw personal success with Senegal as he scored and assisted for his international side in their successful AFCON campaign – alongside current Foxes midfielder Papy Mendy. Sarr is a stalwart for Senegal and he is closing in on a half-century for his country having been capped 47 times, scoring 10 goals along the way.

His international accomplishments, alongside his proven ability in England, means that he won’t come cheap. Watford paid £27m for Sarr when he was signed from Rennes in 2019, and they’ll be wanting to make a profit on their tricky winger.

Currently valued at £24.3m, Sarr will command a price close to – if not exceeding – the £30m that Sangare would cost. For that reason, due to Leicester’s lack of funds, it may be one or the other for them this window.

If they can keep Tielemans, then Sarr is an option they must pursue in order to finally get a right-winger. If Tielemans does go, then Sarr may be pushed aside as the recruitment team pursue cheaper options. Already linked to West Ham, the Foxes must decide where their priorities lie.