Marti Cifuentes’ Leicester City are poised to challenge for the Championship title once more, in this battle, they will need all the mentality and freshness they can call upon. Here are three signings who could transform this side into a winning one.
The Spaniard took charge of a struggling former Premier League outfit, reeling from heavy defeats and enduring a broken atmosphere after a woefully inadequate relegation fight.
This season has already begun with far greater promise, yet Cifuentes still has much to do if he is to hear triumphant celebrations at the campaign’s conclusion.
The King Power side determined that, in pursuit of this aim, they had to operate under tighter financial constraints to avoid any sanctions from the EFL following their earlier legal success against them.
Consequently, numerous players were permitted to depart, with only a handful arriving in return. Two permanent recruits – both goalkeepers – and three loanees currently make up the reinforcements.
The Foxes may well require more if they are to end the season not only with promotion back to the Premier League on merit, but also by lifting the title once again to return silverware to their fans.
However, with the transfer window closed, only free agents remain on the table. Let’s examine three realistic signings who could help Cifuentes ‘checkmate’ the league.
Leicester City’s three free-agent targets:
There are countless unlikely names. Leicester are unlikely to secure the most coveted, but perhaps they can still draw some attention and convince a few to join their cause. In my view, our weakest spots are in defence and depth up front.
Despite what may look like early success – three wins from four – one defeat and two shaky displays salvaged by Abdul Fatawu’s brilliance hardly represent a genuine return to form. Leicester City were resilient but fragile.
Charlton Athletic dominated. Fortunately, they lacked the ruthless edge to put the East Midlands club away, and Jakub Stolarczyk held firm until Fatawu produced a world-class strike.
They racked up 20 shots to our six, created more on target, earned more corners, and most of their chances came from inside the box, especially during set-pieces where we were let off repeatedly. And that came with only 45% possession to our 55%.
We surrendered the ball cheaply in promising areas and left our back line poorly protected. Heroics and individual quality allowed us to withstand the pressure, but the need for new defenders is obvious if possible at this stage – either to quicken our build-up play against compact teams or to snuff out opposition attacks.
For me, this means bringing in a left-back to challenge Luke Thomas or replace him, a centre-half to strengthen our depth, and a striker to bolster our options up front. First, at left-back there are two possible routes.
We could dream big and pursue attacking full-back Sergio Reguilon – already linked with top clubs and Premier League teams – or opt for someone with recent EPL experience who has Championship interest. For me, Jamal Lewis would be an ideal candidate.
Lewis, now 27, brings plenty of experience across different levels. He’s a steady defender, rarely dispossessed when carrying the ball, and a tidy passer – if not especially creative.
His disciplined tackling means he attempts fewer challenges overall, but when he goes in, he usually succeeds. As a free agent, a reliable defender like him is a smart acquisition.
At centre-back, I feel an experienced Belgian could provide composure and replace Jannik Vestergaard. Jason Denayer could be part of the answer.
Denayer would offer Leicester City greater control in possession, recycling the ball with calm, calculated passing.
Though not known for sparking attacks, he carries the ball confidently out of defence under pressure before releasing it and recovering his position. We need a solid back line that can spark transitions while managing risks – Denayer fits that mould.
Up front, Julian Carranza and Patson Daka are Cifuentes’ current options, with Jordan Ayew often deployed out of position instead of the Zambian. Patrick Bamford looks the obvious pick.
Though past his prime, the English striker is a traditional No.9, positioning himself centrally to be fed chances by his teammates.
In a squad brimming with creativity on the flanks and through midfield, Bamford would get opportunities. He isn’t there to facilitate – he’s there to finish.
He would thrive in a high-pressing, chance-heavy Leicester team, provided the defence can tighten up and become a consistent regainer of possession and initiator of attacks.
Which free agents do you believe are realistic for the King Power club to pursue? Some fans may already feel the business is done and the squad settled. Whether Cifuentes desires more is secondary to our main question: who could genuinely enhance our bid for the title?