Opinion

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City transfer plans hint as inside look at first training session reveals welcome update 

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Ruud van Nistelrooy could have his transfer plans altered by one piece of good news for Leicester City.

Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Leicester manager on Friday and took charge of his first training session on Sunday.

The Dutchman is preparing for his first game in charge against West Ham United on Tuesday night as the Foxes look to end their poor run of form and creating some breathing room between themselves and the bottom three of the Premier League.

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Alongside that, plans for the January transfer window will also be in full swing as Van Nistelrooy prepares to stamp his mark on the squad.

There are several areas that could be improved, but the 48-year-old may not need to worry about one position after the return of a first-team player.

Leicester City Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Jakub Stolarczyk spotted training with Leicester for first time since injury

Although Mads Hermansen is Leicester’s number one, the importance of having a strong backup should anything go wrong is just as vital.

Last season saw Jakub Stolarczyk take on that role, playing in the domestic cup games, as well as a handful of Championship games.

Leicester City Trophy Parade
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

The youngster impressed inbetween the sticks and was expected to deputise as the club’s number two again, only to suffer an injury in pre-season that has kept him ruled out since then.

But, in the latest training videos posted to the Foxes’ social media channels, Stolarczyk was spotted training with the rest of the team for the first time this season.

Stolarczyk has been out on the grass but training away from the rest of the team. Now back with the squad, it could drastically alter Van Nistelrooy’s plans.

What the perfect January transfer window looks like for Leicester City

Reports have suggested that the Foxes had targeted three key positions to improve on in January.

One being a backup goalkeeper, another being a left-back and the final target: another forward.

Those plans may have changed since Leicester sacked Steve Cooper, but bodies are required.

The return of Stolarczyk means that getting a number two ‘keeper can be discarded but signing extra depth in the full back positions, as well as a striker are vital.

Leicester City Pre-Season Training Session
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Hiroki Sekine has been linked with the Foxes, but the Japanese star operates as a right-back.

In terms of departures, Danny Ward and Luke Thomas are among the Leicester players out of contract in 2025, meaning this will be the last opportunity to recoup any sort of transfer fee for them.

Odsonne Edouard’s loan move hasn’t worked out and sending him back to Crystal Palace to sign a different striking option could be consdiered.

Leicester’s centre-back problems have also been a cause for concern and an upgrade on any of the options to play alongside Caleb Okoli could be beneficial.

Van Nistelrooy could eye up players from his time at PSV and Manchester United to bring to the King Power Stadium as they look to secure survival.