The winter transfer window proved to be a damp squib for Leicester City despite hopes of a month of incomings.
Ruud van Nistelrooy identified four key positions to strengthen this window but sadly, only one of those came through the door.
With PSR fears still very much alive at Leicester, the £3m acquisition of right-back Woyo Coulibaly was as good as it got for for the Foxes.
Leicester’s board have betrayed Van Nistelrooy after their comments before the transfer window hinted that there would be money to spend.
Now that the dust has settled, Leicester City News caught up with expert Graeme Bailey to get his thoughts on Leicester’s transfer window.
On Leicester failing to sign players in key positions
- Leicester wanted a centre-back, winger and a forward in this window
“I really don’t understand it, when these promoted teams work so hard to get up and then they are in a position to stay in the league – they are not adrift but they have not given themselves a good chance. They knew what was needed.”
On new Leicester signing Woyo Coulibaly
- Coulibaly was Leicester’s only addition for £3m
“Well, I have not seen much of him so I don’t want to be too harsh but in life often you pay for what you get and in Premier League terms, a 25-year-old costing £3million.”
Is the Leicester squad now weaker than what it was at the start of January?
- Leicester sold Tom Cannon and loaned out Hamza Choudhury, as well as young youth players.
“Well, you could argue that – Cannon you would not could, but losing Choudhury and bringing in Coulibaly – I suspect it might be. The one thing we know is, it isn’t stronger – whilst rivals Ipswich and Wolves have made moves.”
How will Ruud van Nistelrooy be feeling after the transfer window?
Bailey stated: “I really feel for Ruud van Nistelrooy, he took the job but with hopes that investment would follow. He made it clear that work on the squad was needed if they want to stay up – that has not happened.”
Is there a chance Ruud van Nistelrooy could quit Leicester?
- There are fears that Leicester could be looking for another manager after Van Nistelrooy failed to get what he needed this transfer window
“Well, to be honest I think he would be within his rights to do so – he has not been helped and as I said before I just don’t get the approach or attitude. I am not sure I see him being in charge next season, I have to be honest.”
On the fans’ frustrations towards the board and lack of transfer activity
- Leicester fans are preparing to protest against the club’s hierarchy against Arsenal.
“It’s totally understandable under the circumstance and I think ‘frustration’ is very much the word.
It is a situation that I really don’t understand, as said Leicester are in a position that investment could keep them up, but I guess that is the issue – even if they went out and spent what £20m, £30m or even £40m – does that guarantee you survival? No sure it does. And perhaps that was a consideration.”
Do Leicester have enough to stay up this season?
- Leicester’s relegation rivals have all strengthened this window
“They have not improved and because of that, I just don’t see them staying up. Everton were already out of it leaving just three teams for two spots (I think Southampton are gone)…and with Wolves’ current squad and the signings they have made.
“I don’t see how Leicester finish above them, Ipswich yes but not Wolves.”