Why Leicester should keep fullback Luke Thomas

Leicester City left-back Luke Thomas has been on the receiving end of transfer speculation. Here is why the Foxes must keep the academy graduate.

There is no surprise that ‘Interested FC’ have their own players being spied upon by their unscrupulous rivals. Certainly, the King Power club have spared no expense from improving the side and utilising their strong development side.

Unfortunately, the situation is not as previously described. Brendan Rodgers wanted a healthy shake-up of the team. Players who were not good enough were meant to have been moved on, and new – more energetic – players would have been signed.

However, due to a lack of space in the side, and aside from a bid for Kasper Schmeichel there has been little in formal moves for any Leicester player. This is why the situation for Thomas is interesting.

Leicester City’s breakout star

An injury-ridden Foxes team lose multiple of their fullbacks, thus the Northern Irish gaffer is forced to bring in a new face. The English left-back is brought into – two years ago now – the senior starting XI to fill in a gap. The defender would go on to establish themselves as a regular in the side.

For the East Midland giants, Thomas has accumulated 61 appearances, two goals and four assists. Although the English fullback has not been prolific, and nor has he maintained a consistent place in the team, he has been loyal, energetic, and impressive. For his age, Thomas has been thrilling.

With that comes speculation. It has been reported that West Ham United are keen on strengthening their depth by bringing the youthful defender into their fold. Sincerely, this would be mad.

Why Leicester must keep Thomas

The English international is not a problem for Rodgers. There exists plenty of potential and talent to be developed upon. This being said, it does feel he was thrusted into the limelight of senior first team responsibility a little too early – it is likely he could do with a loan move.

There are plenty of reasons why the King Power club must retain Luke Thomas. Beyond the undeniable talent, he is also an asset in more ways than one. Home grown, English, trained by the club, he is made for the registration rules of the Premier League and European competition. Although a crass comment, he does fulfil a needed quota.

Furthermore, selling him necessitates the purchase of a new left-sided fullback. Afterall, Shane Flynn is neither ready for prime time, and nor is Timothy Castagne better on the left than right. Clearly, the Foxes would probably have to sell and then immediately buy.

Finally, I just do not see the sense in ridding the club of a supporter. He loves Leicester, he grew up in Leicester, he was moulded and developed by Leicester, and he plays for Leicester. Thomas is a Leicester City lad through and through. He will give everything for the club.

Plus, there are far more pressing areas of the pitch which require attention. Right-wing, attacking-midfield, goalkeeper, and centre-back all amongst them. Let Rodgers concentrate on these positions before creating more troubles for ourselves.