Leicester City wrapped up the summer transfer window in a far stronger position than the one that appeared inevitable only weeks earlier. Marti Cifuentes secured three new additions on deadline day and in doing so, bolstered crucial areas of his squad.
Julian Carranza’s loan from Feyenoord, with an option to buy, addresses the repeated calls for a new forward to be added. The striker is the latest Argentinian to arrive in LE2, aiming to emulate the achievements of his fellow countrymen like Leonardo Ulloa and Esteban Cambiasso.
Jordan James’ switch from French club Rennes, another loan with an option to purchase, brings Championship know-how to Cifuentes’ midfield. Meanwhile, Jacob Ramsey’s loan move from Burnley provides cover following Bilal El Khannouss’s departure to Stuttgart. They left it late, but City got the business done that they needed.
Since the appointment of the new head coach, seven senior players have left, raising close to £50million in transfer income. El Khannouss’s transfer to Germany is thought to include an obligation to buy, meaning that figure will rise in 12 months.
Mads Hermansen and Wilfred Ndidi were two names many anticipated would exit this summer. Yet the departures of Kasey McAteer, James Justin, and Conor Coady came as more of a surprise.
However, despite Cifuentes making it clear he wanted to trim his oversized squad—even considering the demanding nature of a Championship season—it began to look as though City might leave themselves thin in key positions.
That’s especially true given the exits that occurred before Cifuentes’ arrival. Any side in Leicester’s situation that loses its leading scorer from nine of the last 10 campaigns is bound to struggle finding a proper successor. Jamie Vardy’s emotional send-off left City without a forward the supporters trusted.
Still, for securing shrewd deals, the recruitment team deserves credit. Not only have they cut down the wage bill by millions, they’ve also raised respectable fees for outgoing players while bringing in three arrivals who are expected to play a vital role.
Importantly, no transfer fees have been spent outright. All three of Monday’s recruits joined on temporary terms and while loan fees are likely, any permanent moves activated via the options to buy will not impact the books until the next financial year.
On paper, City now have a squad capable of fighting for promotion. With three wins from four already—and without hitting top form—they’re in a solid place.
There is, however, one lingering issue. Some players remain despite their stock being at an all-time low within the club, while a handful of others are in the final year of their contracts and appear set to walk away for free next summer.
So, it hasn’t all gone perfectly. But City have emerged from the window in what appears to be a far stronger position both on and off the pitch.