Leicester City are in desperate need of reinforcements this January. Our strikers are ineffective, our left-backs either injured or simply not consistent enough, and we have far too high wages versus the quality of performances the team is putting out on the pitch. It is clear that the Foxes must offload some dead weight and bring in some fresh faces with experience.
We have already analysed why Michail Antonio would be a good signing for the King Power Club, but as a quick summary, so long as the player has the fitness required to play consistently with occasional rotation, Antonio has the knowledge, strength, and technical quality to help the Foxes achieve their goals. Specifically, the goal of scoring goals.
Leicester City transfer update vital to Antonio pursuit
Marti Cifuentes has already made comments giving us some insight into the perspective of club leadership in the possible signing of the former West Ham United forward.
"He has looked good and has been a good lad to have around as well... We are just having a look at him and he is happy to train with us."Marti Cifuentes
Antonio brings Leicester someone we know understands defenders, can score goals, and has the strength and mentality to support a team in need of greater mental and physical resilience. Just having an experienced leader like himself around the club will be beneficial to the East Midlands side. And talkSPORT predict an imminent arrival:
"Michail Antonio’s Championship transfer edges closer as potential club terminates striker’s loan spell"
Therefore, it can only be positive news when it appears the Foxes are making moves to open up a spot for the player. Julian Carranza, who has barely featured in a game of football for Leicester, has been relieved of duties at the King Power and returns from his disastrous loan with the Foxes. The Argentine came with much promise, but could not make any impact or mark enough to avoid being sidelined by Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka.
Carranza's exit provides space and wages which could be used for Cifuentes' striker target. Additionally, it would seem Leicester could decide upon a shorter-term permanent deal rather than a long-term deal to bring the player in. This is likely what both sides will see as beneficial: Antonio gets game time, and the King Power Club get an opportunity for a better signing.
Leicester City do need a forward. Michail Antonio makes sense to bring in on a short term permanent contract to reduce the risk involved while still allowing us to appraise whether his fitness is up to standard. That being said, with the injury to Victor Kristiansen and the inconsistency of Luke Thomss, I really hope the board decide to bring in at least a left back as well from the free agents list.