Leicester City Football Club finds itself teetering on a relegation precipice that feels far removed from the fairytale heights of 2016. The club is currently suffocated by a dual crisis: a grim financial outlook involving alleged PSR breaches. Along with a squad that appears to be losing its competitive soul on the pitch, if it ever had one. This decay was laid bare during the latest alarming home loss, this time to Charlton Athletic.
In a display that can only be described as shambolic, an 'insane' defensive decision from Caleb Okoli saw a reckless dismissal. The Foxes subsequently surrendered three points to a side they should, on paper, totally dominate. With the King Power faithful increasingly disillusioned and the threat of a points deduction looming like a guillotine, the club's desperate need for a catalyst is undeniable. Enter Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
West Bromwich Albion leading transfer chase for Aston Villa's Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba but Leicester City lurk
The 19-year-old Aston Villa starlet has seen his stock explode following a dramatic and heartwarming (even for some Foxes) winning goal against RB Salzburg in the Europa League. Reports suggest a fierce transfer 'tug-of-war' has or will break out between the East Midlanders and West Brom for a January loan.
"However, a deal is not completed just yet, with other clubs in the second tier interested in taking the European hero on loan for the rest of the season.FLW via The Athletic
This includes Leicester City, whose financial restrictions have drastically limited who they have been able to sign both over the summer and this month, and are eyeing up Jimoh-Aloba to bolster their midfield options."
While the Baggies are currently viewed as frontrunners (owing to the player’s history in their academy) LCFC interest is a credible, albeit desperate, attempt to inject creativity into a stagnant midfield via a legitimate catalyst. The move is financially viable because it involves a loan rather than a heavy fee which suits the Leicestershire outfit's restricted budget.
Whether a teenager can shoulder the weight of a club in freefall remains to be seen; similarly to Jack Fletcher speculation. But, for Leicester, Jimoh-Aloba represents another flicker of hope seldom seen in a darkening season.