Marti Cifuentes will continue to depend on Leicester City’s prized talents, with the manager confident his players will demonstrate professionalism despite widespread transfer speculation.
Cifuentes leads his City squad to Preston on Saturday (3pm), where many of those expected to start at Deepdale have been the subject of transfer rumors this week.
However, the manager is convinced their focus will remain on the task at hand and trusts they will stay committed to the match.
Among those linked with moves this week are James Justin, who has caught the attention of Leeds and Everton; Abdul Fatawu, also on Everton’s radar; Harry Winks, targeted by Valencia; Caleb Okoli, reportedly sought after in Italy by AC Milan; and Bilal El Khannouss, who has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
“It’s the reality of all of the clubs in the country,” Cifuentes said. “The players, their mindset is very clear.
“Everybody wants to play well. When you are a professional, everybody wears this pride.
“We’re trying to build something. Everybody is aware we’re in a transition moment. Hopefully this transition will finish as soon as possible, then we can focus on what is important.
“But at the moment, those are the rules, the market is not closed and it’s a reality for all of us.
“I have no complaints about the professionalism of everyone, nor their commitment in training and games. We just need to deal with it.”
City have so far offloaded three players, generating approximately £30m through the exits of Mads Hermansen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Conor Coady.
Two years ago, during their last Championship stint, City amassed over £90m from player sales, enabling them to invest around £38m in five new players while also securing four on loan.
For now, it appears additional departures are necessary this summer to pave the way for new arrivals, with only one signing completed so far in experienced free agent goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
A new forward remains a key priority for the club, and although Cifuentes has downplayed the need for additional midfielders, reinforcements in the center of the pitch will be essential if Winks or El Khannouss depart.