Leicester City can start planning for life in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have secured promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking and have the chance to wrap up the title on Monday evening with victory.
They take on Preston North End at Deepdale in what is set to be a party atmosphere for the 5,725 Foxes fans making the trip.
A busy summer awaits the East Midlanders with eight first-teamers all out of contract, so Jon Rudkin and his recruitment staff must have a list of targets drawn up with preliminary talks scheduled.
Where Leicester City need to strengthen
Maresca will certainly want to add to his forward ranks in the summer with Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu the only real wide players in the squad.
Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho are both out of contract, so if they both depart, City will need to dip into the market for another striker. Earlier this month they were linked with one.
Another midfielder is required to take the load of Harry Winks and at the back, the need for a mobile central defender is apparent, with Jannik Vestergaard somewhat exposed in the FA Cup clash against Chelsea.
Leicester City should sign Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards
Peterborough United centre-back Ronnie Edwards has attracted a whole host of interest since emerging out of the academy.
The 2003-born has been an everpresent for Posh this term and has been a key part of their success, as they finished fourth in League One with a play-off campaign awaiting.
Edwards was named League One’s Young Player of the Season, which amplifies what a marvellous campaign he’s had.
Such form has led Peterborough to set a £10m price tag on their ‘wonderkid’ after Crystal Palace failed with three bids during the January transfer window.
Leicester should rival The Eagles this summer and launch a proposal for the England youth international, as he’d be a terrific addition to Maresca’s defensive ranks.
Edwards has averaged a phenomenal 91.6 per cent pass completion rate in the third tier, as per WhoScored, proving his assured comfortability on the ball – a trait the Italian head coach is big on.
Here, we look at three players Leicester City should target if they get relegated from the Premier League.
With Leicester‘s promotion back to the top flight now confirmed, Jon Rudkin and City chiefs can draw up their transfer targets for the fast-approaching summer window.
City will be an attractive proposition for many players, particularly to those who could suffer relegation from the Premier League.
So with that said, here are three players Enzo Maresca and his recruitment team should target from the teams fighting to survive.
Zeki Amdouni is a striker with a lot of promise.
Burnley signed the 2000-born forward from Basel last summer after he netted 22 goals, including seven in the UEFA Conference League to finish as the competition’s joint-top scorer.
Amdouni has found it tricky in his debut season in Lancashire but that’s to be expected considering his age and Burnley’s poor form.
Notwithstanding that, he’s still notched six goals and was on the scoresheet against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has a commendable goal record with his country, netting six times in 13 appearances for Switzerland.
A two-footed number-nine, Amdouni has all the attributes to be a top player and could be a shrewd pick-up for Leicester.
Gustavo Hamer – Sheffield United
Sheffield United signed Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City last summer for £15m and he’s arguably been the best player this season.
Hamer has netted five times whilst laying on seven assists across 35 appearances and with The Blades already relegated, potential suitors will already be circling for his signature.
The 26-year-old is valued at £13.5m, according to Transfermarkt, so it seems a doable deal for Leicester, who may have to operate on a limited budget due to their ongoing Profit and Sustainability saga.
Wilson Odobert – Burnley
Burnley acquired Odobert from Troyes last year and the teenager has enjoyed a productive campaign in a struggling side.
The 2004-born wide player has produced seven goal contributions this term and has evinced tremendous versatility of late, operating in a more central role.
“He’s just a player with such a bright future ahead of him,” Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said.
“But he’s clocking games in the Premier League, he’s responsible with his defensive duties, he’s able to play in different positions now, out wide and centrally. He’s able to beat people, outside and centrally.”
City certainty need more depth in the forward ranks, particularly out on the left, so Odobert would be the perfect addition and with a Transfermarkt value of £8.4m, he could be available for an attainable fee.
Leicester City travel to Lancashire on Monday to face Preston North End at Deepdale.
It’s been a joyous few days at Seagrave after Leeds United’s defeat to Queens Park Rangers confirmed City’s promotion back to the Premier League.
Players were pictured at Enzo Maresca‘s house celebrating the achievement but they must remain level-headed ahead of Monday’s clash, which could see them wrap up the title.
A win for The Foxes would be sufficient to seal the trophy, so they’ll no doubt be laser-focused even with their main ambition already fulfilled.
Leicester City don’t want a repeat of the Brighton game
Cast your minds back to April 2014.
Leicester had just wrapped up promotion to the Premier League under the stewardship of Nigel Pearson and their next game was a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Leading up to it, The Foxes were in party mode and that was pretty evident by their performance on the pitch.
Leicester City don’t want a repeat of the Brighton game
Cast your minds back to April 2014.
Leicester had just wrapped up promotion to the Premier League under the stewardship of Nigel Pearson and their next game was a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Leading up to it, The Foxes were in party mode and that was pretty evident by their performance on the pitch.
Since Leicester signed Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City in a £25m deal in 2017, he’s been hit and miss but largely adored by City fans.
Iheanacho started the season off in fine form but has found himself out of the picture since December, for whatever season, which sums up his career in the East Midlands.
The Nigeria international hasn’t started a game since the beginning of December but should be handed an opportunity here as Jamie Vardy needs a rest having played in the last three games.
Further, it could be his penultimate game in a Leicester shirt with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
Iheanacho deserves a chance having impressed in limited cameos this year, so perhaps he could come into the line-up with other fringe players such as Conor Coady and Dennis Praet.
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