The summer signing’s activities give Leicester City the upper hand when it comes to key player: Opinion

admin | January 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Leicester City are in a very strong position at the moment.

Not only are they at the top of the Championship table, but they also have a strong squad with plenty of depth, which is largely thanks to their summer signings after losing quite a few key first-teamers at the King Power Stadium.

The likes of Harvey Barnes and James Maddison have been misses and will continue to be sorely missed, but the likes of Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu have helped to compensate for that with their magic out wide.

In terms of what they need to do during this transfer window, they could probably benefit from strengthening their full-back department, especially with Callum Doyle set to return to Manchester City at the end of the season.

A central defender may also be required if Harry Souttar leaves this month – and it looks as though their midfield department will be strengthened with Inter Milan’s Stefano Sensi seemingly closing in on a switch to the second-tier league leaders.

Jamie Vardy’s current situation

One area that caused a dilemma in the summer was the forward position.

The Foxes had three top-quality options before the window opened, with Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka all at the King Power Stadium.

There’s no doubt that all three can be major assets, but with Daka being linked with a move away during the summer and Iheanacho’s contract expiring this year, it always felt as though they needed to bring in a new forward. Thankfully for the Foxes, Tom Cannon came in.

Even Vardy’s situation was and still is uncertain, with the former England international now 37 and seeing his contract run out at the end of this term.

According to the Daily Mail, he isn’t planning to retire anytime soon, but the idea of playing in the United States is believed to be appealing to him and it remains to be seen when he wants to make the switch across the Atlantic.

With his future remaining uncertain, some Leicester fans will want to see a definitive decision made on his future as quickly as possible.

Leicester City can afford to be patient with Jamie Vardy because of Tom Cannon

Vardy has been a real asset for the Midlands outfit this term, registering nine goals in 17 competitive appearances this term.

However, Leicester could be back in the Premier League next season and it’s unclear whether the 37-year-old features in his long-term plans.

At many other clubs, a decision on a player of his quality would ideally be made by now because he could be crucial between now and the end of the season, and beyond too.

But fellow striker Cannon, who joined from Everton in the summer and shone at Preston North End last season, has made an excellent start to life at the King Power.

The Irishman may have only scored three times in all competitions this term, but he has impressed when he has played and the ex-Toffees’ man hasn’t been helped by the serious injury he had during the early stages of his time at the second-tier promotion chasers.

Cannon is only 21 too, has already proved his worth at this level, will only get better and is unlikely to leave his current club anytime soon, so Leicester can afford to be patient with Vardy’s situation and potentially come to a decision when both parties are ready.

If Vardy leaves, Cannon could potentially step up, with Daka also available as an option as it stands next term.