With a huge season in League One on the horizon, Leicester’s recruitment was always going to be pivotal. Last summer, they made zero permanent outfield signings, a decision that seemingly held them back from fighting for anything more than survival. With several other issues, it led to City’s eventual relegation. However, now is their chance to rebuild, and it seems like the club has already completed a deal for their first addition.
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Leicester Set to Sign Premier League Veteran on One-Year Deal
Leicester Set for first Summer Addition
Bringing in a new centre-forward was always going to be key. Both Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka left recently after their contracts expired, leaving an even bigger void up top. Though, as John Percy reports, they have found their replacement. Danny Ings is set to sign for the Foxes on a one-year deal. His contract with Sheffield United expired at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old brings great experience and pedigree from his time in the Premier League, Championship and even with the England squad. He, of course, had stints at clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and, more recently, West Ham. It’s a great career, with highs such as scoring 22 goals in a Premier League season for Southampton. The question is how he will fare in a Leicester shirt, as he enters the twilight of his career.
The right move for Leicester?
Whilst signing Ings isn’t the most attractive signing, it seems like a necessary one. Firstly, he will be able to offer experience to the younger attackers coming through like Jake Evans, Kirsten Otchere or Lorenz Hutchinson. Having someone who’s been at the top of their game for that long helping these talents could be really useful. In addition to this, a minimum of two strikers were needed after Daka and Ayew left. Therefore, Ings should be providing backup for a number nine, who is in their prime and ready to lead Leicester back to the Championship.
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On the other hand, with any signing like this, wages can be a concern, but at least it’s only one year, which prevents a situation where they are in the squad but not needed. His goal-scoring record over the last few years is also a concern, especially if he is needed to play a big role next season. For Sheffield United, he managed just two league goals in 23 games. Even prior to that, he hadn’t hit double figures since 2021. Whilst this is due to him playing in the Premier League for many of those years, the continuous decline doesn’t bode well.
It’s a signing which can be better reflected on at the end of the transfer window. If Leicester find their proven goalscorer, and Ings is a backup, then that seems ideal. However, if they can’t find that elusive profile, then there may be issues. The lack of a focal point last season really prevented City from escaping relegation. Alongside selling more of the players who want to leave, the focus on filling the void should be the priority.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Sportimage
