After a chaotic start to the 2024/25 season, it is unclear whether Leicester City are going to be ambitious in the January transfer window. After issues financially with PSR and the sacking of Steve Cooper, new manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy could be limited in his ability to strengthen the squad. However, with the club now in the relegation zone and struggling on the pitch, new transfers are expected if they want to stay in the division.
What Is Needed for Improvement at Leicester City in the January Transfer Window
Current Financial Situation At Leicester
Financially, Leicester City seem to be in poor condition after a tumultuous period for the club. The past few seasons have seen huge losses for the club, especially after relegation. The sacking of Steve Cooper also won’t have helped the financial situation given the fact that his contract needed to be paid out and replaced.
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It was common knowledge going into the season that the Foxes were struggling to comply with the Premier League profit and sustainability rules, which led to the selling of Kiernan Dewsbury Hall just before the deadline. Leicester did avoid the potential points deductions or punishments for not complying with the rules, but this doesn’t mean they can spend freely.
The upcoming transfer window will likely see new players brought in due to the poor performances so far, but the use of loans and minimal spending could also be a feature of their business.
Positions of Need at Leicester
The performances so far this season show the areas of concern for the East-Midlands-based side. The defence has been the major issue so far as they have conceded the most goals per match at 2.2, which is level with Wolves. Constant errors and an over-reliance on their goalkeeper are features of the backline that have kept just one clean sheet this season.
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After the injury to Ricardo Pereira and the lack of performance from both James Justin and Victor Kristiansen, a new full-back could be a position to be reinforced but a centre-back seems to be the major priority. A left-footed centre-back is specifically what Ruud Van Nistelrooy is expected to want in the transfer window. This is shown through his side being linked with many left-sided centre backs such as Abdukodir Khusanov. This is known to be a key part of the Dutchman’s philosophy on the ball as he utilised Jarrad Branthwaite at PSV, due to his strong left foot which opened up new passing angles.
Further up the pitch, a new striker is also set to be a priority given Jamie Vardy’s age and the lack of game time provided to Odsonne Edouard and Patson Daka. They did watch striker Francesco Pio Esposito, which shows the ambition to buy a new figure that can lead the line and be a long-term option. Other profiles on the wing or in midfield have also been linked but these seem less tangible given the need for defensive options and a long-term striker.
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Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s connections at Manchester United are also expected to be leaned on as well, which could see Ethan Wheatley or Toby Collyer join the squad on loan.
Likely Outcome of Leicester City January Transfers
The amount of signings coming in isn’t expected to be high. Making big commitments in January doesn’t always work as seen by Leicester’s winter transfer window in 2023. However, the club are desperate to stay in the league and has been linked to figures in the positions they are prioritising. Despite this, if a player is to be brought in it is likely to be a left-sided defender or striker.
