Leicester City are currently undertaking the daunting and potentially impossible task of replacing ex-Foxes striker Jamie Vardy. Could Greece international striker Fotis Ioannidis be the man to tackle the job? Let's examine speculation and Ioannidis' credentials.
The Jamie Vardy conundrum
Forget finding the perfect manager. Replacing Vardy is surely one of the most tricky, demanding and potentially impossible tasks Leicester City Football Club have had to undertake in their history. Evidently it is a bit of a gift and a curse to have such a gloriously talented and productive centre forward for well over a decade.
On the one hand, you have aforementioned productivity, e.g. goals. The tenacity Vardy supplied was rare and infectious too. I mean, he could almost win matches on his own whilst rallying his often underperforming teammates.
So, you always want somebody like that in any side, let alone having them in elite divisions such as the Premier League. However, the void to be filled is substantial. That significant duty may also likely be intimidating for any up-and-coming or even established goalscorers.
The right footballer must be found. And the successor doesn't have to be in the mould of a Vardy. Yet he must either motivate by prowess and/or leadership in a soon-to-be new line-up.
Will the Foxes replace the former England man with Greece striker Fotis Ioannidis?
Who is LCFC's latest transfer target? First of all, Ioannidis is uncannily close to the name Leonidas. If the former possesses even a modicum of Gerard Butler's ferocity or authority in 300, he'd fit right in with the once Fearless Foxes.
Anyway, Ioannidis plays for Panathinaikos. He has been fairly prolific in the Greek Super League and Europa League. Although in 2024/25, his numbers dipped somewhat. The 25-year-old does also have Champions League experience.
If the King Power outfit are serious here, they must defeat Southampton and Crystal Palace in battle. €20million will reportedly land one team the physical and accomplished finisher.