Leicester City announced the sensational signing of Tottenham Hotspurs ‘wantaway’ Harry Winks. FoL explain why the midfielder will be a fantastic addition.
Let me take you on a journey, a tale of triumph and adversity. It all began in 2014 when a young English midfielder burst onto the scene at Spurs. Winks showcased his skills in various competitions, including the Europa League, Premier League, and cup matches. However, his path took an unexpected turn, leading him to a loan spell at Serie A side Sampdoria during the 2022/23 season.
Winks’ story is like a rollercoaster ride, filled with sensational goals and devastating setbacks. But now, as he embarks on his Leicester City chapter, we hope it will be a swift ascent rather than a slow decline. Surrounded by the club’s up-and-coming youthful talents, Winks has the perfect environment to thrive.
Three reasons Winks will be fantastic for Leicester City
For me, this transfer is one of the most important refreshments to the side we could possibly have had. The questions were rampant: as Youri Tielemans’ brilliant saga with the King Power club came to an end, who could the Foxes write in to fill those major gaps? The answer, a No. 8 who is hungry. That is Harry Winks.
A story of victory
It is May 2021, and the Foxes are in for a treat. Their senior squad has managed to make it to the final of the Emirates FA Cup; they face a scary Chelsea side with former Leicester man Ben Chilwell playing.
A nervous, slow grind progresses as individual battles are won and lost all over the pitch. The most victories were to be found in midfield, were a heroic Belgian No. 8 was performing his role to perfection: box-to-box, neat passing, and giving a go at goal. Then, that moment. A Tielemans rocket landing in the net from far out.
His game has never quite returned to that special element of history: the Belgians name written in the legends book of an East Midlands club who had never achieved that in their long history. Nevertheless, it is clear what Leicester City need while Tielemans departs: they need a box-to-box progressor who can pass well and is not afraid to take a chance on goal.
Winks may not possess a flashy reputation, but he excels at the fundamentals of football. Every player on the pitch must embrace defensive duties, work hard, and give their all, as Sean Dyche once emphasized. Winks embodies these principles. He intercepts passes, moves the ball forward with precision, and actively contributes to attacking plays.
The killer tale
Secondly, Leicester City suffered a debilitating complacency that haunted them at the start of the 2022/23 season. After a draw and four consecutive losses, the team’s mentality crumbled. The belief that they could pick up enough points to avoid relegation was misguided, leading to a lack of hunger and understanding of their precarious situation.
After all, this was a team which won the Premier League, won the FA Cup, competed in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, the inaugural Conference League. This was a side which had built itself into a prestigious and well-run club. Only when they finally parted ways with head coach Brendan Rodgers did they attempt to salvage their campaign, but it was too little, too late. The losing mentality had set in.
However, this is what must be fixed for the next chapter. An EFL Championship 23/24 campaign to write positive stories about. This is where ‘Winksy’ comes into the picture. For Tottenhams 22/23 season, he was to get little game time; so, hungry to play and hungry for a challenge, the player departed on loan to a completely new league, with different styles of play, different players, and of course new coaching.
And it is this mentality – one of hunger, challenging, and fight – which the LCFC need to stamp back on their performance cards. They have to want to do better. Plus, Winks himself has already commented for LCFC News what he wants to do.
"“I’m really excited for the challenge ahead… a full pre-season with the team and come here early to… push myself getting fit… I’m also looking forward to a new challenge and to challenge myself. Coming to a club like Leicester is the perfect chance to do that“"
That desire to have a challenge, to live up to that contest, and to be hungry for games and points is exactly the mentality Leicester now need. There are a lot more small tales to write in this chapter of Winks’ career, but right now the Foxes need all of the passionate hunger he exudes.
A 27-year-olds saga
Lastly, Winks brings with him a saga of experience at the age of 27. From his time at Spurs to his short stint in Italy, he has honed his skills as a disruptive box-to-box midfielder. Adapting his role, playing-style, and interventions to match the demands of different matches, Winks is a thoughtful player who carefully considers his actions. His experience, born out of hardship and personal growth, will be vital for Leicester City’s promotion aspirations.
Leicester City requires a midfielder who can fill the void left by the talismanic Belgian. Harry Winks fits the bill perfectly, with his box-to-box prowess, neat passing, hunger for success, and wealth of experience. Listen to the man himself.
"“I’ve played a mixture of games for Tottenham, both against teams lower and teams higher…I’m sure this season is going to have a big set of challenges as well. It was a great experience in Italy. I learned a lot out there. It was different, not something I’m used to, but I really enjoyed my time out there, the different culture, the different league”"
This wealth of experience born out of hardship, hunger, and personal ability will be necessary for Leicester City to reach towards promotion at the first time of asking. Obviously, experience and hunger are the same reasons Connor Coady was brought in to reinforce a shaky defence.
For me, Harry Winks is a sensational signing for Leicester, and supporters should feel excited that we get to enjoy a refreshed and different league with new faces, aspirations, and even a new head coach. Enjoy the campaign, and keep smiling.