Leicester City are looking to replace midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Leicester City have been very busy this summer in looking to bolster their squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Steve Cooper had optimistically gone in for Juventus forward Matias Soule, however he looks more likely to join Serie A outfit Roma.
Despite this set-back, Cooper’s main task this summer has continued to be replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the midfielder signed for Chelsea to play under Enzo Maresca.
The 25-year-old was crucial in Leicester City’s 2023/24 Championship winning campaign, achieving a splendid 26 goal contributions for the Foxes.
Cooper had identified former Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare as a cheap replacement for Dewsbury-Hall, but he now looks set to join Championship side Sheffield United.
However, Leicester City have reportedly moved closer to an alternative replacement for Dewsbury-Hall in a player with Champions League experience.
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Leicester City ‘in a strong position’ to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley
After initially showing their interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, the Foxes are now reportedly ‘in pole position’ to sign the Danish international, according to Team Talk.
Celtic are reportedly only wanting ‘over £25m’ for the former Fulham midfielder, with Leicester City set to beat Premier League sides Everton and Southampton to O’Riley’s signature.
The 23-year-old played a pivotal role in the Scottish Premiership with Celtic, as his 31 goal contributions in 37 games made a significant difference in the Bhoys winning the 2023/24 league title.
O’Riley has previous experience in the EFL with MK Dons, where he impressed in the 2021/22 League One season.
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Is Matt O’Riley the perfect Dewsbury-Hall replacement
O’Riley’s record in the Scottish Premiership in the 2023/24 campaign speaks for itself when asking if the Danish international would be able to provide the same output as Dewsbury-Hall.
With both international and Champions League experience, O’Riley will bring a pedigree with him that will show that Cooper’s Leicester City side mean business this season.
The 23-year-old has limitless potential and could easily play a key role in consolidating Leicester City’s position as a Premier League club.
O’Riley would be utiised by Cooper in the same fashion that Dewsbury-Hall played under Maresca, therefore the existing players from last season’s Leicester City squad will be fully aware on how to get the best out of the Celtic midfielder.
Initially this move was one that would be difficult for Cooper to obtain, however he has shown that him and Leicester City do have ambition of competing this season, rather than rolling over after the sale of Dewsbury-Hall.