Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that he was the one to suggest Harry Winks as a potential transfer target to the club’s board during their first meeting in the summer.
Winks, who faced injury setbacks in the past, impressed during the latter part of the previous season on loan at Sampdoria. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the Serie A club from being relegated.
Many raised their eyebrows when the Tottenham academy graduate made the decision to move down to the Championship, with Leicester acquiring his services for £10m.
Since joining Leicester, Winks has excelled and established himself as one of the standout players in the English second-tier this season. His commanding performances in midfield have played a significant role in Leicester’s current position at the top of the table, with a five-point lead.
Winks showcased his ability once again by scoring a brilliant 80th-minute goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over QPR at Loftus Road.
Speaking after the match, Maresca praised Winks’ impact, stating, “Harry Winks has been an integral player for us. His dedication on and off the ball, combined with his eagerness to continuously improve, has been remarkable. When I first met with the club, he was the first name I suggested because I was familiar with him from Tottenham and his time in Italy. His style of play perfectly aligns with our footballing philosophy.”
Winks’ recent struggles stemmed from his lack of consistent game time due to injuries, which consequently impacted his confidence. However, there was never any doubt about his talent, and it comes as no surprise to most Spurs fans that he is thriving in the Championship.
