Leicester City Eyeing Kyle Walker-Peters to Address Right-Back Crisis

Replacing the underperforming James Justin could emerge as a top priority for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the January transfer window. With Leicester City struggling defensively, the Foxes are reportedly targeting Southampton’s versatile full-back Kyle Walker-Peters as a potential solution.

Justin has endured a dismal season, and his performances have left Leicester fans increasingly exasperated. The 26-year-old’s costly mistake against Aston Villa last weekend highlighted his struggles. A misplaced pass in a dangerous area allowed Villa’s Leon Bailey to score a late winner, depriving Leicester of a valuable point.

The English defender has been thrust into action week after week due to the absence of first-choice right-back Ricardo Pereira, who remains sidelined with injury. Lacking adequate cover in that position, Leicester’s defensive frailties have become a glaring issue.

Walker-Peters on Leicester’s Radar

With the January transfer window in full swing, Leicester are reportedly eyeing a budget-friendly deal for a new full-back, with Kyle Walker-Peters emerging as a prime candidate.

The 27-year-old Southampton defender has become available for transfer, as the Saints seek to cash in on players before their likely return to the Championship. Walker-Peters, whose contract at St Mary’s runs until 2025, has so far shown little indication of signing an extension.

Leicester must act swiftly to secure the former Tottenham player, especially with interest from other clubs. Offering an attractive deal could not only provide a much-needed upgrade on Justin but also solve Leicester’s long-standing issues in the full-back department.

Why Walker-Peters is Ideal for Leicester

Walker-Peters would be an excellent addition to van Nistelrooy’s squad. His ability to play on either flank makes him a valuable asset, while his Premier League experience ensures he can make an immediate impact. The Englishman’s technical skills and attacking mindset align perfectly with van Nistelrooy’s tactical philosophy, which encourages full-backs to push forward and contribute offensively.

Former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl even likened Walker-Peters to legendary German defender Philipp Lahm, praising his versatility, footballing intelligence, and technical proficiency.

Impressive Statistics

Walker-Peters’ numbers underscore his suitability for Leicester. According to FBref, the defender ranks among the best in Europe in several key metrics:

Pass completion: 89.1%

Progressive passes: 4.33 per 90 minutes

Progressive carries: 3.88 per 90 minutes

Successful take-ons: 1.13 per 90 minutes

Touches in attacking penalty area: 2.25 per 90 minutes

Fouls drawn: 1.74 per 90 minutes

Remarkably, Walker-Peters ranks in the top 5% of European defenders for pass completion and progressive carries. These figures highlight his ability to advance play from deep positions and pose a threat in attacking areas, qualities that Leicester desperately need.

Opportunity for Leicester

Southampton’s precarious situation offers Leicester a golden opportunity to secure Walker-Peters at a reduced price. With the Saints unlikely to retain their Premier League status, the 27-year-old is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere.

For van Nistelrooy, signing Walker-Peters would not only address the immediate right-back issue but also provide the team with long-term defensive stability. His addition would significantly strengthen Leicester’s backline while adding a new dimension to their attacking play.

Leicester City must capitalize on the January window to resolve their defensive problems. Replacing James Justin with Kyle Walker-Peters could prove to be a masterstroke for van Nistelrooy, ensuring the Foxes remain competitive as they aim to climb the Premier League table.

With Walker-Peters’ skill set and experience, he is the perfect candidate to reinvigorate Leicester’s defense and bring balance to the team. Whether Leicester can close the deal remains to be seen, but missing out on the Southampton star would be a missed opportunity of significant proportions.