Fans will be delighted that Leicester have January transfer plans
By Will Kennedy
Leicester City’s right wing search continues
A long-term issue for the Blues, Rodgers will continue his pursuit of a right winger in January. After missing out on Lookman in the summer – something made even more painful given his exceptional form for Atalanta – the club are desperate to fill the void in their team.
Before Justin’s injury, a right winger was the club’s priority for this upcoming window, however the change in circumstance has shifted the focus. Still, if they can get a left-back early enough, Rodgers will be keen to finally get a right-sided player.
James Maddison has been in exceptional form on the right, despite it not being his strongest position, yet the lack of depth there is a real issue. Ayoze Perez is a tried and tested option, but he’s not the answer and neither is Dennis Praet – both play far better in the centre of the pitch.
This is what Blackwell has said:
"A right winger was the original priority and will remain high on the list. I quite like the balance of the team at the moment, with Maddison cutting in, but it’s clear they are short out wide and I think they would move Maddison into Dewsbury-Hall’s position if they sign a right winger."
The club still don’t have springs of cash to use in the window, but Fofana’s transfer has given them some wriggle room in the market. So, whilst finances are tight, it is plausible that City will be able to secure both a left-back, and a new winger in January.
The question now is if the Foxes would prefer a permanent signing or a loan. Lookman’s loan was a success, but they were unable to meet RB Leipzig’s £15m price for a deal, meanwhile Cengiz Under failed on his loan audition.
Permanent deals are riskier though, with Ayoze Perez and Rachid Ghezzal being the most recent recruits on the wing, both failed to make their desired impact. You would expect that, given the absence of quality on the right, they would prefer to go for a permanent deal and secure that position for the long-term.
As for a name, Blackwell has revealed there is an interest in on-loan Brazilian winger Tete. Currently on loan to Lyon from Shakhtar Donetsk, Tete does have a loan agreement until the end of the season, but that loan could be cut short in order to complete a permanent signing.
A deal for Tete would be tricky, and the quality he possess means there will be a few suiters after him, but with only one year left on his deal at Shakhtar, this window has opened the opportunity of getting the Brazilian on a cheaper deal.