Leicester City stands on the cusp of making a remarkable return to the Premier League this season, positioned as one of the dominant forces in the Championship following their relegation from the top flight earlier this year. However, as the January transfer window looms, the potential for significant upheaval cannot be ignored.
The Foxes suffered the loss of key talents following their descent from the Premier League, making them vulnerable to renewed interest from other clubs in their standout performers. In light of these developments, we’ve highlighted three critical dilemmas that manager Enzo Maresca may confront at the King Power Stadium next month.
Firstly, the uncertainty surrounding the future of striker Jamie Vardy presents a major quandary. While not a regular starter this season, Vardy’s experience and leadership as the club captain make him an integral part of the squad. Despite his potential move to Saudi Arabia, Maresca must prioritize retaining the 36-year-old’s presence, considering his invaluable experience and influence within the team.
The second dilemma revolves around another striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, who, like Vardy, has faced limited game time and has attracted interest from clubs such as Aston Villa. With his contract set to expire in the summer, Leicester confronts the challenge of deciding whether to cash in on the player or extend his tenure. The potential sale of Iheanacho raises concerns about reinvesting the funds in a striker market that poses substantial challenges in finding a suitable replacement of comparable quality.
Lastly, the potential departure of Wilfred Ndidi adds to the club’s predicaments. Linked to clubs of significant stature such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Ndidi’s departure could pose a significant setback for Leicester, given his pivotal role in bolstering the team’s midfield. Resisting such high-profile moves, especially in the current Championship context, will be arduous. Losing Ndidi would deprive the team of an experienced stalwart who has played a critical role in their success this season.
Navigating these complex dilemmas will demand astute decision-making from Maresca and the club’s transfer management as they seek to uphold and strengthen the team’s competitive edge while pursuing their ambitious return to the Premier League.
