Leicester City continues to be heavily involved in the transfer market, a clear indication of the significant task ahead for manager Steve Cooper.
Typically, a Championship-winning club undergoes some strategic adjustments before entering the new season with confidence. However, Leicester City faces a more challenging scenario. Chelsea has taken both their manager, Enzo Maresca, and star player, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, leaving substantial gaps to fill.
While some signings have been made to compensate for these losses, Cooper still has much to do to ensure his team is prepared for their season opener against Tottenham Hotspur in just one month.
Richard Rios
Leicester City is reportedly competing with Everton for Richard Rios, a standout player from Colombia’s Copa America squad. According to reports from South America, the two Premier League clubs are interested in the central midfielder, although his current club, Palmeiras, is reluctant to sell. The 24-year-old’s valuation ranges between £12.6-16.8 million, setting clear financial expectations for any interested party.
Oliver Skipp
Leicester City and Leeds United have both shown interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp, who at 23 years old, is keen to advance his career. However, much to Steve Cooper’s dismay, Tottenham is likely to block any potential transfer due to Skipp’s homegrown status, which is highly valued for meeting squad requirements in European competitions.
Matias Soule
Leicester’s pursuit of young Argentine winger Matias Soule seems to be stalling. Competing with AS Roma for his signature, the Foxes were initially hopeful, as it appeared the first club to meet Juventus’ asking price would secure the deal. However, reports now suggest that Soule prefers a move to Roma, primarily for the ease of staying within Italy rather than relocating abroad.
Tiago Gouveia
Leicester City has rekindled their interest in Benfica’s Tiago Gouveia. Initially linked with a loan move when Enzo Maresca took charge in the summer of 2023, the transfer never materialized. Recent reports from Portugal indicate that Leicester, along with Everton and Fulham, is now attempting to lure Gouveia’s midfield teammate, Florentino Luis, to the Premier League. Luis, a defensive midfielder, had also been on Nottingham Forest’s radar and might be open to a new challenge due to limited playing time under Benfica’s current management.
Matt O’Riley
Following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley was identified as a potential replacement in Leicester’s midfield. O’Riley, a Denmark international, was expected to fill the void left by Dewsbury-Hall with his ability to contribute goals and assists. However, Celtic’s hefty £50 million price tag for O’Riley has deterred potential suitors, including Brighton, making the transfer to Leicester uncertain.
Martin Braithwaite
Leicester has also been linked with former Middlesbrough and Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite. After scoring 22 goals for RCD Espanyol last season, Braithwaite opted to leave by activating his release clause. Despite initial speculation of a return to English football, Braithwaite is now close to signing with Europa Conference League winners Olympiacos. Meanwhile, Leicester has secured Bobby Decordova-Reid as an alternative attacking option.
Ramon Sosa
Early in the transfer window, Paraguayan winger Ramon Sosa was rumored to be a target for Cooper. Sosa’s impressive performances at Copa America drew attention from several European clubs. Reports from The Sun indicated that Leicester was making preliminary moves, with his club Talleres open to negotiations around £15 million. Despite interest from Newcastle United, Everton, and Chelsea, this potential transfer has not progressed further.
In conclusion, Leicester City’s transfer activity highlights the extensive work required to rebuild and strengthen the squad after significant departures. With multiple targets and ongoing negotiations, Steve Cooper faces a challenging but critical period to ensure his team is competitive for the upcoming Premier League season.
