Despite a maelstrom of transfers to the Foxes in the summer window, Leicester City remain squarely in a relegation battle. Unfortunately, although at the top of our own mini-league, this is a razor’s edge lead rather than some commanding gulf. As a result, Steve Cooper has tasked King Power with going shopping in the winter window: hopefully this is less window-shopping, and more transformational.
We have already discussed links to a few of players. Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed, and Cameroon defender Joyskim Dawa are two examples of the kind of players the Foxes are primarily searching for: experienced, known, talents. However, Cooper must surely also be looking to inject some energy into this squad to partner better with Abdul Fatawu and Facundo Buonanotte.
Leicester City target Louie Barry
An English prodigal talent. Or, at least formerly thought of as having the potential to be one such great player. The versatile forward is an interesting proposition for Leicester to consider: a talent who would certainly not be cheap, would not be overpriced, and should have plenty of potential locked away. Aston Villa’s on-loan youngster represents another route to energising the team.
With Stockport County, the winger/striker has been impactful in front of goal. With currently 11 goals in 16 games - the top scorer in the division - an assist to boot, and the consistency required to make it in higher leagues. That is what Barry broadly speaking brings to the table: goals. Naturally, it is goals that the Foxes need.
The player was formerly an academy star at Barcelona before moving back to England shortly after. They had seen limited success in early loan moves, myriad positions tried, inconsistent tactics imposed, and numerous playstyles enlisted. It was only at Stockport in the previous campaign where Barry really started to shine: a wide-starting, explosive, pacy forward with the tenacity and confidence to take a crack at goal. Another Fatawu should you like the comparison.
As aforementioned, the talent will not be cheap for a 21-year-old with League Two and League One on his CV. However, there is clearly talent there for Cooper to build upon for the long-term forward line of Leicester City. According to some journalists, they expect somewhere around £12m to be the asking price from Aston Villa. Also, it is worth noting the King Power side are not alone in their targeting of the forward: Tottenham Hotspur is also interested.
Leicester City cannot rest on their laurels. With the coming end of Jamie Vardy, the youthful inexperience of Abdul Fatawu, and the lack of development under Steve Cooper of Stephy Mavididi, the Foxes must prepare for their next set of explosive and goal-scoring talents. Being clinical, able to put in a worldie, and having that natural instinct to create a chance and take one, makes Louie Barry a brilliant option at the expected price tag.