Why signing Jan Bednarek is wrong for Leicester City this summer

It has been a tough transfer window so far for Leicester City fans. Current events at the club are comparable to the pandemic, except this time the Foxes seem to be self-isolating from the transfer window instead.

The latest rumour, if it is to be believed, suggests that Jan Bednarek will become Leicester’s new centre-back. FoL outline key reasons why this would be a terrible idea.

The infamous Southampton 9-0 Leicester City

City’s infamous 9-0 victory against Southampton broke records and is still remembered with great fondness or hatred depending on who you support. The fact that LCFC have already signed two athletes who started that day from the Saints defence is alarming enough.

Bednarek would therefore become the third ‘9er’ to sign for the Foxes. One would think that any club would stay away from signing defenders who have been on the receiving end of not just one but two 9-0 thrashings. Unfortunately, speculation suggests otherwise.

The wrong profile of player

One thing that can be said is that the Poland international is a better player than Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand. This is not difficult to achieve in my opinion, but remains a true statement nonetheless. However, the former does not fit the profile of the defender Brendan Rodgers is apparently in the market for. This would be someone young, athletic, left-footed and comfortable on the ball at CB. Bednarek simply does not fit these criteria.

Although still young enough at 26, he is neither left-sided nor particularly comfortable on the ball. The Hampshire side’s contrasting style of play further raises red flags over his suitability for Rodgers’ system.

Additionally, the Pole has hardly been in sparkling form for Southampton, with the Saints one of the very few sides to concede more than LCFC last season. The King Power should therefore take the hint and steer clear of signing any more average players from the South Coast.

Who should LCFC sign instead?

As long as this rumour remains a rumour, City fans can hope that an alternative option is prioritised instead. An ideal candidate for the left centre-back position would be Chelsea’s Levi Colwill; who impressed on loan with Huddersfield Town last season.

Colwill fits all the bill on Filbert Way, and with Chelsea signing several new defenders, he reportedly wants to leave. Leicester must find a way to beat off the competition and make this statement signing, even if it comes with the inevitable buy-back clause.