Pundit Carlton Palmer predicts that Leicester City will demand a minimum of £15 million for striker Kelechi Iheanacho during the upcoming January transfer window.
Despite interest from clubs such as Roma, Everton, and Crystal Palace, Iheanacho remained at the King Power Stadium following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. Since joining the club in 2017 for £25 million from Manchester City, the 27-year-old has had an impressive start to the season, netting five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions, including three in his last three league matches.
Inter Milan is reportedly showing interest in signing Iheanacho ahead of January, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Leicester may face a difficult decision if the Italian giants make an offer. Currently leading the table with 10 wins from their first 11 league games, Leicester is already 10 points ahead of third-placed Preston North End.
Palmer, speaking exclusively to Football League World, believes that Leicester will assess any offers they receive for Iheanacho before making a decision. He expects that the Foxes will demand at least £15 million for the striker.
“Inter Milan has now entered the picture, eyeing a potential move for Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho,” Palmer stated.
“Leicester is sitting atop the Championship and Iheanacho has scored three goals in his last three games.
“The club has a crucial decision to make regarding the Nigerian international. He is still earning Premier League wages and his contract expires in the summer.
“If Leicester were to offer him a new contract, do they envision him playing a role in the Premier League?
“If they fail to secure promotion, they could be stuck with a player on hefty wages playing in the Championship for another year.
“I believe Leicester will wait and see what offers come in for Iheanacho since his contract is coming to an end next season.
“It might not be as much as they could have obtained if he had been sold this summer, but I think Leicester will be looking for a fee of £15 million or more, or they might opt to keep him until the end of the season and reassess their situation should they secure promotion.
“For anything less than £10 million, besides offloading his salary, the club will likely have to spend more money to find a suitable replacement.”
Leicester faces a significant dilemma in January regarding Iheanacho’s future. The striker has been a standout performer for the Foxes in the Championship this season, and retaining him until the end of the campaign would greatly enhance their promotion chances. Moreover, considering his past success in the Premier League, Iheanacho could prove valuable if Leicester returns to the top flight.
However, the club will be hesitant to let Iheanacho leave for free in the summer. If he doesn’t sign a contract extension, Leicester may ultimately decide to sell him in January.
Leicester boasts several strong options in the forward line-up, including Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka, and Tom Cannon. Nevertheless, if Iheanacho departs, it would undoubtedly be a setback for the club.
