Leicester loanee Nathan Opoku is cooking in Belgium
Leicester City had a very busy January transfer window. They brought in signees such as Victor Kristiansen, Harry Souttar, and Tete. However, one of their signings is going under the radar. Nathaniel Opoku was signed on transfer deadline day and was immediately loaned out to Belgian league side Oud-Heverlee Leuven. He has only been there for a short time yet he is already making a big-time impact.
In his last three games, Opoku has scored three goals and assisted on one. These aren’t just tap-in goals either; they’ve been beautiful goals. In his most recent game against Standard Liege, Opoku shot the ball from outside the right side of the box and nailed it top bins. His other two goals have been sent to the top of each corner. He really is a fantastic finisher, and that’s what he’s done his whole career.
The 21-year-old is from Ghana and was taking over the United States by storm. He can play striker or winger and it does not matter where is he because he will score goals. He made a name for himself playing at Syracuse University, a college located in New York. In 25 appearances he scored 11 goals and assisted on eight more. He scored a goal in their biggest game of the season, a national title win over Indiana University. With the MLS Draft calling his name, Opoku declined and decided he wanted to play European football instead. This is a move that is looking like it may be benefiting him big time.
When his loan ends this summer, Opoku must join the City team. Whether it’s in the Premier League or the Championship, this guy will make an impact. He brings us everything the current lineup is lacking. Firstly, he is incredibly young at just 21 years old. Not only that, he brings versatility. While mainly being a striker, he can also play out on the wing. However, I would prefer him to be up top as a striker.
It is incredibly early to say this but I believe Opoku is going to be the regen of Jamie Vardy. Vardy’s career is coming to an end while Opoku’s career is coming to a rise. You only need to watch the highlights to see the similarities. Both are pacy strikers who have incredible finishing skills in front of goal.
If Leicester City stays in the Premier League, Opoku needs to be our backup striker. Let him get adjusted to the speed of the EPL before we stick him up top. However, if we were to get relegated, Opoku needs to start immediately. He will get us promoted right away. I believe he has more promise than Patson Daka. He has the pace yet is much more prominent in front of the goal.
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LCFC signed this guy for a bargain in winter and I truly believe this has the potential to be a Riyad Mahrez type of signing. A guy we signed for nothing who ends up being a star for the team. The board and Dean Smith can not fumble what we have with this brilliant talent.