Leicester City fans must feel like it’s groundhog day at the moment after the Foxes tasted defeat again.
Despite a spirited display, Leicester were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa on Saturday to make it five Premier League defeats in a row.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side had equalised through Stephy Mavididi just six minutes after Ross Barkley’s opener in the second but their hard work was undone when a sloppy James Justin pass gave away possession and Leon Bailey struck home from Ian Maatsen’s cross.
Many Leicester fans have called for Justin to be dropped after another mistake in what is becoming a catalogue of errors.
Van Nistelrooy also appared to call out Justin, albeit subtly, in his post-match press conference.
Ricardo Pereira’s injury means there are a lack of options at right-back and while Leicester were linked with Hiroki Sekine towards the end of 2024, not much else has progressed on that front.
It’s left Leicester fans wondering where else they could bolster their additions and it’s come to the conclusion that one loan star would be the perfect answer.
Leicester fans want Brandon Cover recalled to replace James Justin
One name being mentioned by Leicester fans is right-back Brandon Cover, who is currently excelling out on loan at League Two outfit Port Vale.
Cover made his senior debut for the Foxes in the FA Cup last season and the Leicester academy graduate was sent out to Vale to get first-team minutes.
The 21-year-old has excelled for Vale and many Leicester supporters believe he is the perfect candidate to replace Justin.
One fan wrote: “Idc bring him back, he can’t be worse than Justin,” to which a second replied: “Was very good when he got his chance under Enzo.”
Another user added: “BRING BACK BRANDON COVER.
“We genuinely cannot persist with James Justin at right back. Something has to change,” commented another.
Brandon Cover is outperforming James Justin in almost every department
Cover is enjoying an excellent season on loan at Port Vale – to the point that their fans are wanting his stay to become a permanent one.
Signing a new full-back could be the answer to Leicester’s defensive issues, but, Cover’s stats show that he could be a ready-made replacement.
| Stats | Brandon Cover | James Justin |
| Appearances | 19 | 19 |
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Assists | 0 | 2 |
| Tackles (per game) | 3.2 | 1.8 |
| Ground duels won | 5.3 | 3.5 |
| Aerial duels won | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| Sofascore rating | 6.97 | 6.82 |
Aside from the aerial duels won, and the number of assists, the 21-year-old is outperforming Leicester’s current first choice option in almost every department.
Given that Leicester may not have lots of money to spend in this window, recalling Cover may not be the worst idea they’ve had.