Due to relegation from the Premier League, Leicester City return to the Championship with a strong squad. International stars, Wonderkids, and much more make up the ranks; therefore, it comes as no surprise that Marti Cifuentes would like to reduce the numbers. Alongside this, it would also allow him to bring in his own profiles, more suited to his system.
Leicester City To Reduce Squad To Make Transfers
Marti Cifuentes: A Deeper Leicester City Squad
As reported by Jordan Blackwell, Leicester need players to make way before bringing in new arrivals. Bilal El Khannouss, Conor Coady and Mads Hermansen are already players facing links with moves away.
As a result, with the season approaching, Cifuentes wants to trim the squad. He has already used 30 different players over his three pre-season friendlies against ZTE, Zatarby and Koln. Academy players have been at the forefront of this, and could be the reason for removing the experienced players. Louis Page, Jeremy Monga and others have put together impressive games this summer, and are close to the first team.
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Although a focus on a smaller squad is clear, the Foxes did still make their first deal of the summer as Asmir Begovic arrived. The Bosnian is the first transfer and arrives as an experienced backup to Jakub Stolarczyk.
How Does This Affect Leicester City
The need to sell before spending comes as no surprise, especially given the quality the Foxes possess. Even though it wasn’t enough to mount a fight for survival, it’s a squad with players who won the league just two years ago. Therefore, keeping players such as Ricardo Pereira or Harry Winks, who excelled last time, should leave City in contention.
Read More: Leicester City Transfer Update Following the Arrival of Marti Cifuentes
Cifuentes will also want his own profiles to bolster the squad even more. For example, a new striker is necessary due to the departure of Jamie Vardy and poor performances from Patson Daka. A more attacking midfielder is also a priority, as no one possesses the output that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall provided last time.
Time will only tell as to who arrives and departs, but the club need solutions before a ball is kicked. The season opener against Sheffield Wednesday is just 12 days away, and getting off to a strong start is crucial.
