Nathan Redmond was once a thoroughly decent prospect and a satisfactory performer. Yet the nagging sensation that he surely could have amounted to more does not evaporate easily. Particularly after the validation of an England cap; not to mention Pep Guardiola's questionable but undeniably passionate gesticulating attention on the Etihad turf. Nonetheless, Redmond is generally consigned to the 'what could have been' bargain bin. Though he now has a ridiculously poignant task in front of him: helping an LCFC rival avoid relegation.
A subtle shift in the relegation calculus for Leicester City, Oxford United, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion at hands of Blackburn Rovers?
Now 31, the former Southampton winger clearly still has something to offer in a pure footballing sense. Even if his utility is measured in brief cameos rather than 90-minute marathons.
Whether he remains a positive dressing room influence is for the Ewood Park inner sanctum to determine. Regardless, the Blue and Whites are gladly acquiring an ex-Three Lions attacker to bolster their survival run-in.
Naturally, this prompt signing invites a nervous glance from the East Midlands. Is this a fatal blow to the Foxes' own EFL Championship survival hopes? Perhaps, if only indirectly should Rovers' newly acquired veteran fire them to safety at the expense of those hovering precariously above the trapdoor.
Irrespective, any panic in Leicester remains premature. Well, only if trust is placed in the firepower of Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew; the rather hopeless pair the LE2 team rely on for their goals.
What is true is that City's destiny remains firmly in their own hands; even whilst the cruel, invisible hands of fate ceaselessly yank at Leicester's precarious fate. The tier two run-in is a theatre of anxiety, but a short-term free transfer in Lancashire does not rewrite the script for those in the division entirely.
"Blackburn Rovers have announced the signing of Nathan Redmond on a free for the final seven games of the Championship season."TalkSPORT