adminLeicester City will be busy on today’s deadline day as the transfer window slams shut at 11pm this evening. The Foxes have signed 10 players so far and could add another three to Russell Martin’s squad by the time the deadline passes.
The City boss has hinted in the past couple of weeks that City would be pursuing a deal for an experienced centre-back and midfielder. A new striker wasn’t ruled out by Martin when asked about the position by LeicestershireLive on Saturday after the goalless draw with MK Dons.
A new defender to join Ilari Kangasniemi is expected to be the main priority today, with Wout Faes likely to leave the club. Ben Nelson’s ACL injury means, should Faes exit, City will have just three senior centre-backs.
Hamza Choudhury’s move to Sheffield United was confirmed yesterday and leaves Martin short in midfield. A versatile midfielder is also on their radar, with more experience at the top of criteria to join Louis Page and Sammy Braybrooke.
In attack, Leicester have already signed Admir Bristric this summer, but it’s understood that a move for Bristol City’s Emil Riis is a possibility. Martin wants his forwards to be able to do different things and the former Randers centre-forward offers a different threat to Bristric and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
As the final days of the transfer window have counted down, LeicestershireLive has been running a poll for fans to decide what position should be a priority for Leicester. From over 380 votes, a whopping 87% have called for a new striker to be signed.
Just 9% believe a centre-back is the priority, while 2% want a new defensive midfielder.
Riis emerged as a possible candidate to fulfil fans’ wishes on Monday, with Bristol City open to selling the striker. The Championship side have spent big on their attack this summer, signing Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard.
Last season, Riis topped their goalscoring leader board with 12 goals, however, he has played just 37 minutes in all competitions this term. The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract at Ashton Gate.
Josh Holland’s verdict:
The results of the poll speak for themselves and that’s probably come as a result of Saturday’s draw at MK Dons. I agree with the 87% of supporters who contributed that a striker is an important position, but is it the top priority?
In some way, it is. Bristric should lead the line for the Foxes and eventually will become good. But he’s new to English football and needs a bedding-in period. Reid, in my opinion, isn’t best-suited to play as a No.9 and never has been. I think he’s most dangerous behind a centre-forward, where he can collect the ball and drive with it or play players through.
Riis is a powerhouse who will lead the line, disrupt defences and be a target in the box. It’s different to what they’ve got and offers Martin an alternative if Bristric doesn’t get success. But on the flip side, City need a centre-back.
I’m happy with Kangasniemi and can get behind the club’s active pursuit of hidden gems from Europe. But with Faes leaving and Okoli potentially staying, I’m not confident that the three options gives Martin enough cover over the season or ability to play out from the back consistently.
Deadline day, though, means that there are no priorities. Positions need filling and there is a timer. Leicester need to add reinforcements at both ends of the pitch.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim