Following Leicester City’s mass exodus of first-team players, their attention now turns to new arrivals. Links with Joao Rego, Calvin Stengs, and others have previously emerged, but the club’s attention now turns to a new centre-forward. Jamie Vardy’s departure over the summer has left a gaping hole up top as he has been the club’s talisman for over a decade. However, with the season underway and a new option identified, have City found their replacement?
Leicester City Set To Compete For 16-Goal Centre Forward
Moussa Sylla: Leicester City Target
As reported by BILD, the Foxes are keen on signing Moussa Sylla. The Malian striker comes into the 2025/26 season with back-to-back 16-goal seasons in the French and German second tiers. Hitting double figures for Schalke was certainly significant in helping the ‘Sleeping Giants’ remain in the second division last season.
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A fee of between £5 million and £6 million is currently estimated, with realistic bonuses to be added on top. The fee is likely not to be an issue for Marti Cifuentes’ side, as PSR issues are no longer present due to the recent sales of Kasey McAteer and James Justin. Furthermore, Bilal El Khannouss could also depart, which would further strengthen the club’s financial position.
In addition to Leicester’s interest, another Championship side is in the hunt for Sylla. As a result, many figures behind the scenes at Schalke are eyeing a bidding war so that they can maximise their return fee.
How Does This Affect Leicester City?
After weeks of negative news, it looks like the club is beginning to be active in searching for new arrivals. Asmir Begovic is the only addition to Cifuentes’ squad thus far, and is likely to be a third-choice keeper following the recent links with Jonas Omlin. After underwhelming performances in all of the opening games, it comes as no surprise that the club are identifying new options.
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Having scored 32 goals in his last two seasons and in different leagues, Sylla is certainly clinical. At 25 years old, he’s shown a goal-scoring pedigree, whilst also being able to adapt to the unique needs of each league. This is important as he could be a key part of the Foxes’ season and needs to hit the ground running. Both Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew are yet to find the net this term, and lack what Cifuentes needs.
Whilst both Daka and Ayew do have strong aspects to their game, they are not complete. Cifuentes appreciates the Zambian’s pressing and work rate, but in front of goal and when looking to drop in, he is lacking. Conversely, Ayew has done well back-to-goal but struggled to help progress the side and be a threat. Therefore, if Sylla can be the complete profile by pressing, linking play, and scoring plenty of goals, then it could be a game-changing move.
