Did Brendan Rodgers lie about transfers for Leicester’s squad refresh?

Did Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers tell a downright falsehood about the Foxes’ supposed squad refresh this summer?

Certain reporters and commenters have published stories querying the LCFC boss’s latest comments with respect to transfers. Or a lack thereof. One article in particular accuses the Northern Irishman of talking undeniable ‘BS’. The piece definitely makes a multitude of well-made as well as valid points.

Yet I believe the accusation or terminology used to be slightly unfair: there are other variables affecting Rodgers’ deceiving-seeming previous statements. In addition to factors out of the gaffer’s hands altering the situation, such as investment, or none, from the chairman. This is not a criticism of Khun Top Srivaddhanaprabha, either.

Basically it is quite straightforward and non-complex as to why criticism emerged. Back in February, Rodgers rather inadvisably informed the media – and fans baying for signings, as a byproduct – that there would be a “healthy shakeup” of his roster in the offseason. That invariably means selling and buying players.

In fact, the former Liverpool chief foolishly even put a number on potential arrivals. He claimed that up to five or six acquisitions may perhaps materialise on Filbert Way following the 2021/22 season. Even stating an approximate allocation is always unwise because the average supporter takes that figure as the gospel. If the amount isn’t filled by September, the futile and amateur inquisition begins.

Between the New Year and the time of writing, something undoubtedly changed at Foxes headquarters. Or, maybe, promises via King Power HQ were not honoured for whatever reason. This theory is naturally speculative, whilst feasible. Only a minimal war chest is reportedly available for new signings.

Following the friendly match versus Notts County, Rodgers appeared to intentionally inject a fresh definition of his phrase ‘squad refresh’ on order to clarify. Whereas in reality, he stretched semantics to reshape the meaning. During a staged-feeling statement in an interview after the practice game, the 49-year-old said “a big part” of the shakeup was actually about the team “reconnecting with their culture”. Whatever that means in management jargon.

Furthermore, Rodgers only mentions continuing with work before 2022/23 commences. There was no talk of incomings or outgoings joining the pretty uneventful departure of Eldin Jakupovic. Now, this much-scrutinised soundbite doesn’t necessarily mean that a few great additions won’t occur, coupled with sufficient offloading. Though it does sound as though Rodgers might have been instructed to backtrack by LCFC hierarchy.

Another quite disastrous and impactful element which possibly derailed the window of opportunity for the East Midlanders is the fact that their head of recruitment left before the end of the term. While Lee Congerton settles with Atalanta, Leicester City are deprived of a transfer czar until September. Martyn Glover of Southampton shall be the eventual and unpunctual replacement. An error in foresight for the Leicestershire outfit to learn from.