Leicester City must strengthen well in the January transfer window if they are to avoid relegation this season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of his first game as Leicester City manager on December 3rd, earning a 3-1 win over West Ham United.
Since that victory, however, the Foxes’ results have continued to decline – most recently losing to Aston Villa.
They have slipped down to 19th in the Premier League and are nowhere close to being on target for the magic 40 points they likely need to stave off relegation in 2024/25.
In turn, a busy and smart January transfer window is needed from the Dutchman. However, while Leicester have been linked with many players this month already, it looks as though Van Nistelrooy could make a big mistake.
Leicester City must avoid wasting second Premier League loan slot
At present, clubs in the English top flight are only allowed to have a maximum of two players on loan from elsewhere in the Premier League.
Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonee Edouard have taken up those places in the first half of 2024/25.
But the latter has hardly played this term and is still yet to score a goal for the Foxes.
Reports this week have, however, claimed that Leicester want to cancel Edouard’s loan deal and send him back to Crystal Palace.
Should that happen, it would be a big boost for the Midlands outfit, opening the door for them to sign a quality Premier League player on loan for the second half of 2024/25.
However, recent links suggest Van Nistelrooy could be about to waste that loan place on an inexperienced player.
It was reported at the end of December that Leicester have contacted Manchester United about signing two players on loan.
Toby Collyer is thought to be one of the players being looked at while Harry Amass has been linked to the Foxes as well.
While both players have bright futures in the game, neither is what Leicester need right now in their battle for survival.
Manchester United loans won’t save Leicester City from relegation
Amass is just 17 years of age and still yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils, while Collyer is 21 but has just one Premier League appearance to his name.
Given every game going forward is now a must-win for Leicester, it’s obvious they should use that second loan spot – if Edouard does leave as expected – to bring in an experienced name who could help in their battle for survival.
But the recent links to Manchester United youngsters suggest that will not be the case.
A young gem could step up and surprise fans but that’s a major risk given the position Leicester are in right now and something the Midlands outfit should really be avoiding.