{"id":474492,"date":"2019-07-07T16:12:12","date_gmt":"2019-07-07T20:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=474492"},"modified":"2019-07-07T16:12:12","modified_gmt":"2019-07-07T20:12:12","slug":"leicester-city-ready-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/07\/07\/leicester-city-ready-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Leicester City: Ready to Challenge the Top Six"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a promising start to Brendan Rodgers’ tenure last season, Leicester City<\/a> are building for a top six finish. The club find themselves in a strong position going into the new season.<\/p>\n

Leicester City are Ready to Challenge for European Place<\/h1>\n

Thrifty Signings<\/h2>\n

\u00a330 million is not small money, but by Premier League standards the signing<\/a> of Ayoze Perez<\/a> is a relative bargain. A proven goalscorer at Newcastle United<\/a>, Perez is a handy acquisition.<\/p>\n

Rodgers spoke last season of his desire to find a goal scoring wide man, and in Perez he may have found that. His twelve goals last season came for a side who struggled for goals. Playing in a team with more creative talent could see that number balloon up.<\/p>\n

It has been a long search for an effective back up to Jamie Vardy<\/a>: many big money signings have come and gone. The move for a player proven in England offers a refreshing change of direction.<\/p>\n

Even more impressive is the impending signing of Youri Tielemans<\/a>. Leicester were anticipating competition for the Belgian, who excelled last season. However, Tielemans arrived in Leicester to discuss personal terms this week.<\/p>\n

At a fee of \u00a340 million, Tielemans represents superb value for money. His sell on fee in the future will likely be double this. Regaining the services of Tielemans is a huge coup for the club. He was involved in seven goals in his thirteen league appearances on loan and struck up an excellent relationship with Jamie Vardy<\/a> and James Maddison<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The talented James Justin<\/a> has also been brought in from Luton Town. By making these signings early, the new faces will have a full off-season to integrate into the team.<\/p>\n

Talent Retention<\/h2>\n

To date, the anticipated raid of Leicester’s talent has not occurred. There has been little to no interest in Ben Chilwell<\/a> and James Maddison<\/a>, both of whom were linked with moves away.<\/p>\n

Although Harry Maguire<\/a> is being publicly coveted by Manchester United<\/a>, they are yet to meet the \u00a390 million transfer fee demand. Should Maguire depart for World record money, Leicester have researched replacements: Potential moves for Burnley’s James Tarkowski<\/a> and Brighton’s Lewis Dunk<\/a> are both being considered.<\/p>\n

Indeed, should Maguire depart, the in house talent may suffice. Jonny Evans<\/a> outperformed Maguire last season, while Filip Benkovic<\/a> impressed on loan at Celtic under Rodgers. Whilst Leicester are keen to retain Maguire, his departure would not be a disaster.<\/p>\n

A Top Six in Transition<\/h2>\n

There has never been a better opportunity to penetrate the top six. Manchester City<\/a>\u00a0and Liverpool<\/a> are set for another title challenging season and will likely be joined by the strengthening Tottenham Hotspur<\/a>. However, behind them are three teams in transition.<\/p>\n

Chelsea enjoyed success last season. However, with a new manager and a transfer embargo as well as the departure of Eden Hazard<\/a>, they could be vulnerable. The Frank Lampard<\/a> gamble is by no means a certain success and it could take time to adapt to his style.<\/p>\n

The transfer embargo, as well as Lampard’s philosophy, is likely to see a higher number of young players earning playing time at Stamford Bridge. This could see a prolonged bedding in period and less predictable performances.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Arsenal<\/a> are also in a potentially difficult spot. Unai Emery<\/a>‘s debut season showed promise. However, a lack of funds for investment<\/a> and a defensive unit desperate for refreshing could see another frustrating season for Arsenal.<\/p>\n

With high earners like Mesut Ozil<\/a> and Henrikh Mkhitaryan proving difficult to offload, bringing in targets is proving difficult. Meanwhile, Manchester United are in an equally difficult spot.<\/p>\n

They have money to spend, but selling clubs know this. Faced with the potential departure of Paul Pogba<\/a> and Romelu Lukaku<\/a>, United will boast multiple new signings next season. Integrating new talent takes time and is not guaranteed to succeed. The United rebuild is a multi-year project and in the interim leaves them vulnerable for falling behind.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Leicester City are quietly having a very strong summer and are shaping up to prove tough competition for the top six next season. Brendan Rodgers has identified targets and bought early.<\/p>\n

Departures have not occurred to date, but even if players do leave, replacements have been lined up. Several members of the current top six are vulnerable this season; Leicester City hope to be ready to take advantage of this.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>