The last two years, in more ways than one, have been dismal for Leicester City. Successive relegations, an unsettled squad, and a never-ending revolving door of managers. A season in League One allows the Foxes to regroup and perhaps find the cohesion that served them so well during the decade prior. The transfer window will, as ever, be key, with City looking to forget their recent struggles. There’s one talent already garnering their attention following a strong season in the EFL.
Young Keeper Attracting Interest from Leicester
Matty Young: Leicester Linked
As reported by Sky Sports, Matty Young is attracting interest from clubs in both League One and the Championship. Both Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday were noted within the report as looking for goalkeeper options this summer. The 19-year-old is coming off the back of a strong campaign with Salford City, where they reached the play-off final, only to be beaten by Notts County.
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Young, who was nominated for the League Two Young Player of the Season award, kept 15 clean sheets in his 44 league appearances. Only three keepers had a better save percentage than his 71.1%, and he even managed to get an assist against Fleetwood. It’s not every day you see a teenage keeper putting up these numbers, especially in the EFL. Youngsters in his position tend to flourish later in their careers, due to the demands and pressures that come with being a shot-stopper.
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However, in Young’s case, he now has three seasons of men’s football under his belt; an almost staggering tally for someone whose 20th Birthday is still months away. He also remains well-thought of at Sunderland, with him recently penning a new deal; extending his stay until at least 2030. When discussing the new deal, Florent Ghisolfi, director of football at Sunderland, was full of praise for the youngster. “For a goalkeeper of his age to already have so much senior experience is exceptional, and his progress over the last two seasons has been outstanding,” he said.
How Does This Affect Leicester?
Adding a player of this quality would certainly be welcomed as Leicester heads into a pivotal campaign in the third tier. Young is not only highly rated by the staff at Sunderland, but also left a good impression at Salford. Manager at the time, Karl Robinson, praised both his attitude and ability. He said: “When we’ve called upon him, he’s been brave. I think he demands his goal impeccably well, I know lads like playing with him.”
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Outside of this, the Foxes also have their own goalkeeping situation to contend with. Three senior keepers were in the squad last season, with Asmir Begovic’s contract being the only one that expired. However, he is still in talks about extending his stay in the East Midlands. There is also Fran Vieites, who is yet to make his debut for the club. He acted as third-choice keeper for much of the campaign and may want to leave in search of more opportunities.
Finally, Jakub Stolarczyk was first-choice for most of the season, and for many was envisaged as City’s number one for years to come. However, last season he didn’t kick on in the way he would have hoped, with Begovic occasionally taking his place. Leicester being in the market for a new keeper ultimately begs the question of where he is in the pecking order. Despite not living up to expectations in the Championship, he should still be good enough for League One. Therefore, is a new keeper the sensible main priority when there’s still a whole host of other positions to sort out?
Fearured Image Credit
IMAGO / News Images, Leicester City
