3 Things to know about Leicester City transfer target Dango Ouattara

Lorient's Burkinabe forward Dango Ouattara (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Lorient's Burkinabe forward Dango Ouattara (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Lorient’s Burkinabe forward Dango Ouattara (C) celebrates with teammates (Photo by PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lorient’s Burkinabe forward Dango Ouattara (C) celebrates with teammates (Photo by PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images) /

In defence though, the numbers are startling. According to FB Ref, this young winger is in the 99th percentile for interceptions, 97th for aerial duels won, 96th for tackles, and 90th for blocks. These are judged against all wingers in the top five European leagues: they are ridiculously good for such an aggressively progressive and explosive forward. Usually, you have the Barnes-style where their defensive contributions are lost due to their attacking contributions, but Ouattara is a phenomenon on this front.

In terms of cost, the player is worth around £20m, although the sheer volume of interest will push up the transfer value. I would say we would be looking somewhere in total value of £30m with add-ons already included: if we can get the player for closer to £20m then the transfer could very well be one of the best.

As a matter of opinion, after researching on this player, observing the stats, and reading other scouting reports, the only conclusion I can have is this one: Leicester City must act now, sign this winger on a permanent deal with a four or five year deal, and be prepared to sell in two seasons time. While playing for the Foxes, he could take the stress off of the English left-winger and also James Maddison, while providing support for the equally explosive Patson Daka going forward.

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The potential for an explosive, transition-oriented front three of Barnes-Daka-Ouattara is immense. Supported by a more progressive and passionate midfield with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at its core, and I think we have the basis for a strong senior team. Sell unused players, release Ryan Bertrand, and sign Dango Ouattara.