A strong end to the transfer window is what Leicester City fans are praying for as they aim to clinch Premier League survival.
While Leicester have a limited budget due to PSR constraints, Ruud van Nistelrooy is looking to improve four different positions, targeting a right-back, left-sided centre-back, winger and striker.
Woyo Coulibaly’s arrival from Parma earlier this month resolved the first problem but at least three more signings are expected before the window slams shut on February 3rd.
As the Foxes are one of the Premier League’s lowest scorers, reinforcements up front are desired, resulting in links to Ajax striker Chuba Akpom.
Manchester United icon Michael Carrick praised Akpom during his time at Middlesborough, and he is someone who could rival Jamie Vardy for a place in the starting lineup.
The 29-year-old isn’t the only player linked with a move to the King Power Stadium, though, as a fresh update has emerged on another Leicester target.
Leicester City target Mathys Tel has rejected Chelsea
Before the January transfer window had begun, Leicester were linked with Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel.
While an initial loan was touted, the Bundesliga giants were then willing to sanction a permanent transfer, prompting some bigger clubs to rear their necks.
Chelsea made contact to sign the £40m valued Tel, putting him out of the Foxes price range. But whilst the Blues were interested in signing the 19-year-old, he’s now reportedly rejected them.
According to BILD, as relayed by journalist Simon Phillips, Tel doesn’t want to move to Stamford Bridge because the competition for places is too high, with Enzo Maresca boasting an embarrassment of riches in attack.
Tel’s reason for leaving Bayern is to play regularly, having appeared for just 253 Bundesliga minutes this term, and that is why he’d like to join a different club.
Leicester really miss Abdul Fatawu
Leicester could be an ideal destination for Tel but only because he’d be guaranteed to play every week. Aside from that, the Foxes aren’t an attraction proposition and they can’t afford the Frenchman.
Adbul Fatawu’s injury is ultimately the reason why Van Nistelrooy is eyeing a new winger, with the 20-year-old out of action for the remainder of 2024/25.
The Dutchman never got chance to see the Ghanaian in action properly as he injured his ACL before he arrived however, Leicester have missed his direct running and chance creation.
As highlighted by LCFC Data, Fatawu has remarkably still completed the most successful take-ons of any Leicester player this season, despite suffering his long-term setback in November.
It just further accentuates how much need to sign another winger this month.