If the trend continues in recent summers, Leicester City have already completed three very impressive parts of the transfer business this window.
Boubakary Soumare, an important cog in Lille’s winning side in Ligue 1 last season and likely a long-term replacement for Youri Tielemans, has been added. Meanwhile, the foxes have made moves for the rumor mill Patson Daka and the slimy veteran Ryan Bertrand.
So far, so good. The foxes are open for further signings as well, especially since they will be competing on several fronts towards this season.
One area that they are said to consider strengthening is large. When Cengiz Under returned to Roma after a bad loan, Rachid Ghezzal started resigning and Ayoze Perez never convincingly in this role, it makes sense for the fox to move to give Harvey Barnes some competition.
They have been linked with several names already this season, but which of them would be best suited for life at King Power Stadium?
Danjuma is an expensive risk / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
Bournemouth still have many high profits on their books – a hangover from their long spell in the Premier League. Instead of selling last summer, they kept most of their big names and the failure to win the campaign back to the big time last season has left them in an economic pickle.
If this sounds like a favorable condition for a Premier League club, think again. New reports indicate that Cherries intend to demand 35 million pounds for winger Arnaut Danjuma, one of Leicester’s potential goals.
So, is he worth it? In short, probably not.
Danjuma had an impressive 2020/21 season, netted 17 times and provided eight assists in 37 games, but he previously struggled to assert himself in the Premier League. During the previous campaign, he did not contribute to a single goal in 14 games.
He also prefers to work from the left, a position that, except in exceptional circumstances, Barnes is likely to have on lock-in from the start of the season. This is one to avoid unless his asking price decreases markedly.
It would be fun, but Leicester would struggle to afford Coutinho / Alex Caparros / Getty Images
Philippe Coutinho to Leicester is the transition rumor that refuses to go away. With Barcelona in financial turmoil, they are extremely keen to get the underrated Brazilian out of their books.
As much as Brendan Rodgers may be tempted to reunite, and as much as Coutinho still has something to give any Premier League side, it just does not feel right.
The key to Leicester’s surprising success in recent years has been their togetherness. They have consistently recruited either professional models or younger players with a point to prove. Coutinho’s arrival – at salaries as high as £ 250,000 – has the potential to confuse this dynamic.
Leicester have never bought a ready-made superstar and will probably not break that habit this summer.
Matheus Pereira was productive in a terrible Premier League team last season / Alex Livesey – Danehouse / Getty Images
West Brom offered few reasons for fans to get excited last season. One of the bright spots was Matheus Pereira, the tricky Brazilian winger who looked very much at home in the top flight.
After finishing the season with 11 goals and six assists, Pereira has surprisingly been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer. He has a lot to do for him too.
Can play either behind the striker in a number 10 role or from the right, Leicester were able to kill two birds in one stone by bringing him in.
Again, the big stumbling block in this deal would be his asking price. West Brom are said to want 30 million pounds somewhere in the region for Pereira, who seems steep. At 25, he does not fit Leicester’s regular recruitment profile either.
Berardi registered two assists at Euro 2020 / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Domenico Berardi’s contribution to Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph has transformed him from a hipster’s favorite to an overnight household name.
Probably valued at 40 million euros, he is one of several Sassuolo players linked to a departure from Serie A’s top entertainer this summer.
There is a lot to like about Berardi. A fantastic goalkeeper from both inside and outside the box he netted 17 times last season, even though seven of his goals came from the penalty spot.
In addition, the right-hand inside is a solid ball carrier and has creativity in abundance. From the ball, he is also undervalued, which indicates that he would have no problem adapting to the defensive demands that Rodgers places on his wideman.
The signing is incredibly tempting then. Perhaps the only problem is the price tag. Leicester are not expected to spend much this summer, fresh from building a new £ 100m training facility. However, it may be worthwhile to make an exception for a player of Berardi’s clear talent.
Madueke has been linked to a return to England / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Noni Madueke has attracted lots of fantastic reviews since he made the brave decision to move from Tottenham to PSV Eindhoven in 2018.
Last season was his breakout year. He managed seven goals and six assists in just 24 games, and made his virgin Europa League appearance. A tricky right-wing winger who loves to cut and shoot, Madueke has already been covered by England at U21 level and with Donyell Malen set to join Borussia Dortmund, he is in line for an even bigger role at PSV this semester.
Or … he could move to the Premier League. Madueke is your typical Leicester signing: young, hungry with huge resale potential.
A report has quoted PSV’s asking price of just £ 15 million, well within what the foxes will want to spend before the window closes. Madueke’s value will also increase over time as well. It may be worth pulling the shutter button for the next few weeks.
