Some Premier League clubs are often seen as selling or feeder clubs to the top six. Liverpool have signed several players from Southampton across the years, due to the Saints possessing a number of talented players. Now, Leicester City could be bombarded with bids for their young talents and be seen as a future feeder side.
Leicester City: The New Feeder Side For The Top Six
Change of Policy Across the Last Two Seasons
Even before the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and his intent on using youth, Leicester had started a new transfer policy. Just three of the last 11 summer arrivals have been aged over 25. Out of those eight, four were aged 23 and under. As a result, when the time comes, their age and potential will be factored into their transfer fee should they depart the King Power Stadium. Leicester will not be bullied into accepting a lower offer for their players, as shown with Harry Maguire and his move to Manchester United.
The transfer policy signals not only the execution of a near-perfect transfer plan but also the intent to build a team for the future. Brendan Rodgers’ starting lineup currently possesses a blend of experience infiltrated with youth, playing an attractive brand of football. Unsurprisingly, it is why so many are tipping them to potentially breaking the top six mould this season.
Which of the Leicester Stars Should Top Six Clubs Keep an Eye On?
Leicester possess a number of valuable commodities currently. As a result, top-six sides will be lurching and preying on who they can still from the Foxes.
In defence, it is Ben Chilwell and Caglar Soyuncu who will be attracting the most attention. The former has been on the radar of Manchester City in the past. According to Joe Bray of the Manchester Evening News, Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the 22-year-old, describing him as “a really talented player” in the past.
Meanwhile, Soyuncu has only burst onto the scene this season, replacing Harry Maguire in defence. He has looked calm and composed when called upon, and there is no doubt that he will rise to the top if he continues to impress.
In midfield, Leicester hold a number of jewels. James Maddison is perhaps the most precious of them all in the heart of midfield. The 22-year-old boasts impressive offensive stats from the opening five games. As well as two assists and one goal, Maddison averages 2.3 key passes per game, 2.5 crosses and an average of 41 passes per game. It has earned him a call-up to the England national team, and if he continues his electric form, Leicester may struggle to keep hold of him.
As well as Maddison, in the centre of midfield Leicester also have Youri Tielemans and Wilfried Ndidi. Belgian Tielemans is the most highly regarded of the three, and a number of sides were interested in him before he moved to the King Power permanently.
Ndidi is slightly more defensive-minded, which shows in their statistics. The former is averaging five tackles per game so far this season, an impressive tally for any like-minded midfielder. A talented defensive midfielder is not always easy to come across, meaning top six clubs may come calling.
If Leicester Break the Top Six, Will They Stay?
There would be a chance that their young stars would stay. However, the Foxes would have to show serious financial power to battle the top six sides. This is despite their healthy finances.
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