Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel may be on his way out of the club. If such happens, here are the three goalkeepers who could replace the Great Dane.
No one wanted it to end. Kasper Schmeichel’s time at the club has been exemplary. 11 gruelling years of hardship, joy, sorrow, but always filled with class and leadership. It is why the ‘Great Dane’ was handed the captaincy in lieu of Wes Morgan.
Leicester City captain heading for exit
However, these things must come to an end, and after a rough season for the skipper, it appears the end is nigh. It has been reported that Schmeichel has agreed terms to exit the club and join Ligue 1 side Nice.
The only caveat of a deal would be for the King Power club to attain a replacement before any deal should be finalised. Whether or not this means deciding upon either Danny Ward or Daniel Iversen, or signing a player, is unclear, although it is up to Brendan Rodgers to decide.
I do not believe the Foxes will regret the decision. Stylistically the Danish No.1 does not suit Rodgers’ tactical format, and the legend has regressed into an ‘on the line’ shot stopper instead of a progressive, sweeping, high claiming ‘goalie’.
There are plenty of goalkeepers available in the market, and plenty currently at the side. Therefore, should Leicester not find any suitable within the club, here are three possible purchases.
Alban Lafont
My number one choice is also one who has been linked to the Leicester City. The French U21 international, Alban Lafont. What better than another captained ‘keeper to lead by example. Plus, he is the youngest ever goalie to debut in Ligue 1.
Lafont currently plays for FC Nantes and has already knocked up 252 professional appearances including his vast time with FC Toulouse and short spell in Serie A with ACF Fiorentina. The player is only 23.
In comparison, our Welsh shot-stopper is 29 and has amassed a whopping 144 professional appearances. The French U21 is clearly first team quality, and has been so for some time. A massive upgrade should the Great Dane depart.
There is no doubt that his attributes make him a formidable choice. Tall, young, aggressive, and alright with his feet, this player would be more stylistically suited to our new style. Furthermore, his link up with our resident French teammates would be beneficial.
Robert Sanchez
Brighton & Hove Albion are a bastion of intelligent transfers, a stylistically interesting coach, and a truly brilliant goalkeeper. Sanchez is one of those talents a team cannot pass on the opportunity to steal the signature of.
The shot-stopper is 24, just in the middle of experienced and youth. For a goalkeeper, there is plenty of time left in him. Imagine signing a new No.1 for another 10 years. Once again, the Spanish player has been linked to Leicester in the chaotic news of Schmeichel’s possible departure.
As with Lafont, he has knocked up plenty of appearances. In his case, 160 features, and he has been in the Brighton fold for quite some time. Further to this, the impressive displays have earned him high praise across the top leagues.
For what the Spaniard lacks in physical height (he is short for a goalkeeper), he makes up for with his distribution and footwork, as well as excellent reflexes and inspiring ability. If there is a shot heading to goal, the chances are he will get a hand to it.
Once again, stylistically Sanchez would be a perfect fit for our backline. However, my only reservation is what price we might have to pay to pry a Premier League No.1 away from their current club.
Koen Casteels
Now a more conservative option. Casteels is not linked with a move to the Foxes, yet I feel an attempt for some form of more experienced and oven-baked ‘keeper could be sanctioned should the existing options be considered palatable.
What I mean by that is a slight observation of what we have and what is coming through the ranks. Ward, Iversen, Jakub Stolarczyk, Brad Young, and Chitiru Odunze: five goalies that could one day be in contention for the top spot.
Should the younger players be preferred going forward, then buying a long-term No.1 could be a costly exercise in decadence. Whereas a move for a more experienced player allows them to be shipped off sooner and the younger players to develop before taking the reins at Leicester City.
The 30-year-old Belgian international is tall, dominating, and a skilled shot-stopper. He is less of a stylistic departure from Schmeichel, yet for Leicester they might want to retain a stronger presence before switch to a sweeper-first player.
After accumulating 294 appearances across his career, this is one who could lead the line from day one with little adjustment. This being said, for 40 less there is the significantly younger and higher potential Lafont.
I myself would opt for a future three of Lafont, Stolarczyk, and either Young or Odunze. Therefore, though we might have to pay over the odds, a future of Lafont is one worth the cost for the Leicester City.