Premier League big six club want Leicester star back
A £10m transfer, yet 59 appearances later after one full campaign and a third into the next, his former club have been linked with a shock move to re-sign him. The King Power side would be wise to ignore any moves unless it reaps a great return on such an important player.
According to reports, up to £32m is 'on the table' although that seems a little premature considering the winter window is still over a month away. Nevertheless, the rumour would suggest an incredible return on the investment in the talent. The player saw us through the EFL Championship, helping us reach promotion at the first time of asking, and has been integral to how Steve Cooper's side performs on match-day.
Why Leicester City should refuse
Harry Winks has been a great addition to the Foxes. Although a large portion of his work is done 'invisibly' - not appearing in attacking contributions or defensive contributions as much as other players - that work is incredibly vital to how we play. Under Enzo Maresca, I had likened Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to the dynamo, and Winks to the clockwork which made Leicester tick.
The English midfielder sets the tempo of the game, commands the midfield line, and orchestrates build-up play from his deep position. In effect, Harry Winks is a deep-lying playmaker who also takes on some defensive work in occupying space to shield centre-backs. This role has dictated how Leicester play since Youri Tielemans had the same position and role.
Importantly, though the King Power side has since purchased someone who can play the same role with Oliver Skipp, not many do it better than Winks. The Englishman remains in the top percentiles of defensive midfielders for progressive passing, assists, and passes completed. That technical excellence in passing is exactly what Steve Cooper needs in his team.
The winter transfer window will have to be busy. If the Foxes get their managerial target before the window, then there will need to be changes in the starting line-up. If £30m is the amount Leicester City can attain, then that will go a long way to funding the new year's shopping.
However, I feel Cooper's Blues would have to sign a direct replacement during the window to make up for the loss in quality. Otherwise, that money could be invested in more defensive depth, and Skipp could take that position.