Leicester City were in desperate need of defensive reinforcement, having looked fragile and short on options through the opening games of their League One campaign. This move for Ilari Kangasniemi almost certainly signals the impending departure of at least one, and potentially up to three, of the club's current centre backs before the transfer window closes.
Financial constraints mean every incoming player must be balanced by outgoing sales, placing staff under immense pressure to trim the wage bill and raise funds wherever possible. With City's ownership having placed the entire first-team roster up for sale, each arrival inevitably accelerates the exit of established names to balance the books.
"Leicester City have signed centre-back Ilari Kangasniemi from Finnish club FC Inter Turku for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract."BBC Sport
Hopefully the former Inter Milan youth prospect will thrive in LE2, because the Foxes urgently require at least one reliable, committed central defender who genuinely wants to be with the East Midlands outfit. The 19-year-old arrives with valuable experience from the Italian academy system and European minutes under his belt, offering fresh energy and a long-term option at the heart of defence.
Kangasniemi will likely slot into the backline alongside whichever senior figure remains, though Wout Faes appears the most likely of the current group to be moved on to make way. If reports are to be believed, every player is technically available for transfer, as previously mentioned, leaving no Fox's LCFC place guaranteed for the coming season.
Likely next Leicester City leavers
Left-back Luke Thomas is among those linked with a move away; that is news that will be widely welcomed by a Blue Army frustrated by his inconsistent performances and lacklustre displays in recent outings. Oliver Skipp has also failed to live up to expectations since his move from Tottenham Hotspur, and recouping a fee while removing his high wages would be seen as a shrewd piece of business.
"...the likes of Luke Thomas, Harry Souttar and Caleb Okoli are also likely to leave.."Yahoo Sports via Football Insider
Stephey Mavididi, meanwhile, has struggled for form all too often; with superior wide options now at the club, offloading the winger should interest be genuine would make perfect sense for the squad's balance. Caleb Okoli and Harry Souttar would be the main contenders from the Leicester defence.
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