Today I’d like to briefly examine two Leicester City Football Club loanees. One of these temporary departures was once a highly influential, yet immature and self-centred, figure at King Power Stadium — at least during his short spell with us.
The other is a player I feel deserved far more chances under former LCFC managers Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Cooper clearly didn’t fancy the defender, and van Nistelrooy didn’t particularly rate him either.
Both absent Foxes are individually expected to complete permanent exits from King Power Stadium this summer. Do we agree with parting ways with capable players like these two? Could El Khannouss ever return to Filbert Way after his disgraceful behaviour in forcing a move and allegedly threatening to refuse to play? And should Coulibaly be reassessed by Leicester’s coaching staff?
What’s anticipated for Woyo Coulibaly at Leicester City?
Coulibaly always looked a quality performer whenever I watched him. He showed the calmness and technical assurance on the ball that Luke Thomas — and certainly Victor Kristiansen — do not quite possess. Yet the Mali international could still be moved on:
“Players who move out on loan following relegation often end up moving on for good upon their return. One man who left Leicester City on loan in the summer was Woyo Coulibaly, joining Sassuolo in Serie A… it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Malian move on for good.” – [The 72]
What’s the situation with the controversial Bilal El Khannouss?
Let me be clear — and yes, there’s some frustration speaking here! El Khannouss is a superb talent; or at least he has the potential to evolve into one. Footballers of his calibre are vital in the Premier League, not to mention for ambitious Championship sides.
However, anyone who disrespects, diminishes or insults my club will be openly and firmly criticised on this platform, if not worse. That’s how I’ve always evaluated and defended Leicester City; that won’t ever change.
Foxes of Leicester are neutral in football analysis, but loyal when it concerns the club itself. Many supporters feel the same way, which is why welcoming the Morocco international back would be tricky — for him and for us — unless an apology comes first. He’s likely to depart permanently anyway:
“Signed on loan with a conditional obligation to buy from Leicester this summer, El Khannouss has had an instant impact in Stuttgart… Once triggered, Stuttgart would be on the hook for €25m including add-ons, but if El Khannouss continues to develop, the Bundesliga club will happily pay the fee.” – [Transfermarkt]