Leicester City

Ipswich and Leicester eye ‘fabulous’ player Daniel Farke wanted to replace Glen Kamara at Leeds

08/08/2024 Raymond 0

The Telegraph reports that all three newly-promoted Premier League clubs—Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton—are vying to sign Oliver Skipp. Skipp, praised as “fabulous” by Glenn Hoddle, is expected to leave Tottenham before the transfer window closes, with a loan move being the most likely scenario. It seems Skipp will only depart from his boyhood club for another Premier League team, rather than dropping down to the Championship to reunite with Farke.

Transfer news and rumours: Souttar to Sheffield United, Sanchez to Udinese

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Leicester City, newly promoted to the Premier League, have announced that towering defender Harry Souttar will be loaned to Sheffield United for the 2024-25 season. The Australian international, who has struggled for playing time at Leicester, will join the Blades without an option for a permanent transfer. Last season, Souttar made just four appearances for Leicester, and with strong competition in the defensive lineup, he has been deemed surplus to requirements. Excited about the move, Souttar stated, “As soon as I found out I was available and the club was looking at me, it was a no-brainer to come here.” Despite being under contract with Leicester until 2028, Souttar has played only 16 games for the Foxes since his January 2023 transfer from Stoke City.

Season Review 2023-24 and Looking Forward to 2024-25 Part Three

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

**Pre-season Hopes:**

Chris Griffin (CG) reflected on his initial hopes before the 2023/24 season began. “The term ‘hopes’ accurately captures my feelings. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.”

Stuart Dawkins (SD) added, “I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.”

**Key Moments During the Season:**

CG shared his thoughts on pivotal games. “Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.”

SD expressed his fluctuating confidence. “By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.”

**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**

CG noted significant team improvements. “We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.”

SD added, “The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.”

**Season Success Rating:**

CG gave his assessment of the season’s success. “Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.”

SD concurred, “Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.”

Player can be signed on loan + €5m clause after season long loan at Leicester City

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Yunus Akgün has returned to Galatasaray after spending last season on loan at Leicester City. According to the latest edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, Hellas Verona is now eyeing the 24-year-old as a potential addition to strengthen their squad this summer.

The Serie A club is actively seeking new attackers, with their target list including the former Leicester player and Boavista’s Róbert Boženík. Regarding Akgün, it is reported that Hellas Verona is in ongoing discussions, likely with Galatasaray, to secure his transfer. At Leicester, Akgün was versatile, playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even centrally, under Enzo Maresca. He recorded two goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes.

Galatasaray’s official website revealed that Leicester paid a €500,000 loan fee with an option to buy Akgün for €9 million, which they did not exercise. The current report suggests that Hellas Verona could acquire him on loan with a €5 million purchase clause. However, Galatasaray insists that this clause be mandatory, creating a sticking point in the negotiations between the two clubs.

Essentially, Akgün is available for a €5 million permanent transfer, but the final purchase and its financial impact would be deferred for a year.

Young stars, absentees and number changes as Leicester City get down to pre-season business

10/07/2024 Raymond 0

Leicester City has kicked off their pre-season training at Seagrave, welcoming new signing Michael Golding and young talents Logan Briggs and Silko Thomas to the first team. With six weeks of preparation ahead, Steve Cooper now has the chance to closely assess his squad as he plans for the club’s Premier League survival. This period is crucial for players to showcase their abilities and secure their spots in the starting line-up. The initial focus is on rebuilding fitness after a two-month break, while fans keenly observe photos and videos from Seagrave for any hints about the team’s development.