Leicester City striker wanted and could leave the Foxes
By Ethan Henson
Despite Jamie Vardy signing a contract extension with Leicester City this month, there are a number of forward options waiting in the wings to take his place when age inevitably catches up with the Foxes legend. The short-term options include Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho, with many from the development squad hoping to accelerate their progression to a first team level.
With three central attackers in the immediate plans of manager Brendan Rodgers, those graduating from academy level have to make do with action for the Under-21s in the Premier League 2 competition. Failing that, they might perhaps seek loan moves to lower divisions.
Many promising young players have taken up the option to be lent to EFL teams this summer. Defender Ben Nelson joined Rochdale and goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk temporarily moved to Fleetwood Town.
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One City forward who knows what it’s like to be loaned out is George Hirst. He spent the 2020/2021 season with Rotherham, and the last campaign with League One Portsmouth.
Speculation is mounting that the LCFC striker could be playing in the EFL once more this year, this time with a step back up to the Championship. Blackburn Rovers are among the many clubs reported to be interested.
Now 23, Hirst will be hoping to kickstart his career, having only played a total of nine Premier League minutes for Leicester City across two substitute appearances. Playing time at the top level will be at a premium if he fails to secure a move away, with Iheanacho proving himself as a competent deputy in Jamie Vardy’s absence. The hope at the club is that Daka can become the natural long-term replacement.
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Rovers started the season well, sitting top of the tree after three games. But BRFC could be in desperate need of a striker should Ben Brereton Diaz depart towards the end of the window. Hirst has experience at this level, playing 32 Championship matches in his career, and would likely relish the opportunity to run out for a play-off chasing side.