Leicester City are reportedly interested in a move for Montpelier attacker Stephy Mavididi, as Harvey Barnes nears the exit door.
The Foxes’ relegation means that a number of the club’s best players will leave, and new manager Enzo Maresca now finds himself short of wide attacking options.
Mavididi has one year left on his contract in Ligue 1, and is on the club’s radar as they aim to bring in recruitments to help them escape the Championship next season, and Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Leicester are one of a number of clubs exploring a deal for the winger.
Mavididi, 25, was born in Derbyshire and came through the Arsenal academy as one of their top prospects before departing in 2018. However, a move to Juventus did not work out, but he eventually found success at Montpelier, scoring 21 times in 98 appearances.
What can Mavididi bring to Leicester?
The Englishman can play in a variety of positions across the attacking line, including both wings and even as a striker through the middle.
Mavididi can help replace the speed and directness of Barnes, and ranks highly for his dribbling ability. His strong technique and close control is what made him stand out at youth level, and this could help bring more dynamism to the Leicester side in the Championship.
With four goals in Ligue 1 last season, he is not the most prolific, but his defensive contributions from wide positions makes him suited to a winger role. It is also possible that he could find scoring easier in the Championship than France’s top flight, and he could play a vital role going forward.
His main weakness is his passing, as he ranks very low for both the volume and direction of his passes, and he would not be suited to a central or midfield position.
As part of an attacking line, he can offer speed going forward as an outlet, and will hope to increase his output by dropping down a division, and overall he is a signing who can contribute a lot for Leicester next season if they can pull it off.