Since arriving in Leicester this past July, Marti Cifuentes has had a tumultuous period in charge. In a campaign marred by inconsistency, City sit in 13th, and without a clean sheet in 20 games. A squad divided, yet full of talent, can’t seem to dominate the second tier as they did two years ago. Therefore, with the window back open, could we see more Leicester City transfer business, as they look to find consistency and climb up the table?
Leicester City Transfer Policy Revealed Ahead of FA Cup Clash
Change Expected?
When talking to the press ahead of a trip to Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup, Cifuentes discussed the transfer window. He said: “I don’t want to speak individually, but there were a number of players who… felt their time was over here.” In addition to this, he also alluded to professional matters with these senior players out of contention. He added: “We want people to behave themselves in a professional way, showing respect to the staff, the players and the fans.”
Read More: ‘All Rounder’ Leicester Man Remains Target For Top 5 League Move
Over the past few months, both Harry Winks and Wout Faes have been seemingly absent from the squad. Therefore, it is plausible that the Spaniard is referencing their desire to move away from the club. For Faes, he is yet to feature since being hooked at half-time against Sheffield United, a game in which the City backline conceded three goals in the first 32 minutes. Likewise, Winks, who has fallen out with the last three Leicester managers, also hasn’t been selected since that game against the Blades, having disagreed with the coaching staff a week later.
Furthermore, Cifuentes also added some words on the need for a new striker after free agent Michail Antonio picked up an injury during training. The Spaniard said: ” We don’t need outgoings before we get incomings.” This is positive news after a summer where City failed to bring any permanent outfield players through the door. With Julian Carranza also no longer a City player, the need to find a new number nine is even more important.
How Does This Affect Leicester?
Cifuentes’ transparency regarding these players is interesting and something which further highlights the turmoil behind the scenes. Whether it be the financial issues, such as not paying staff on time, or the on-field results, it seems everything surrounding the club is fractured. Whilst Cifuentes has come under scrutiny for his tactics and selection, what he does say normally sits well with the fanbase. It’s evident that he wants to move on from these players who felt their time was “over” and find replacements ready to rebuild.
Read More: Former Leicester Winger Praises Player With ‘A Really High Football IQ’
This was also evident in the summer transfer window, as much change came. The likes of James Justin, Conor Coady and Danny Ward were among the departures as City looked to make a fresh start. Whilst this season hasn’t been perfect, the business done in removing the high wage players has worked. Building with the likes of Jeremy Monga, Louis Page and Olabade Aluko is a must, and quite frankly, one of the areas that Cifuentes has failed in since arriving.
Despite the turmoil, Cifuentes does provide glimpses of hope with his words. Selling players is no longer a necessity as it was in the summer, and finding new profiles to challenge Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka is a possibility. However, recruitment has also been an issue lately, which doesn’t provide much hope to find a clinical number nine. Finding a Jamie Vardy replacement was always going to be hard, and it’s been an ongoing battle for years. Time will tell whether the change is working, but it’s fair to say it’s more than necessary.
Featured Image Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports
