Leicester City have targeted a goalkeeper with Champions League experience to challenge Mads Hermansen this season.
Leicester City’s preparations for the 2024/25 season have been massively overshadowed by the inability to bring in sufficient attacking players ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Whilst Leicester City have bolstered their options with the signing of Facundo Buonanotte, as well as Bobby De Cordova-Reid, there still appears to be significant amounts of work to be done.
Steve Cooper’s side have looked to bring in the likes of Matias Soule, who turned down a move to go to Serie A side Roma, Wilfried Zaha, who looks incredibly unlikely at this moment to join, Yaser Asprilla, who again looks unlikely at this moment to join Leicester City, as well as most recently Adam Hlozek.
Despite the ongoing calamities to bring in attacking depth, goalkeepers are still being looked at, and one player has been targeted with Champions League experience.
Leicester City target move for French goalkeeper Jean Butez
The Foxes have identified French and Royal Antwerp shot-stopper Jean Butez as an option that could be a ‘potential No1’ for Cooper’s side, and will fight with Mads Hermansen for a place in the side, per Sacha Tavolieri on X.
The goalkeeper has notably played five Champions League appearances whilst at Royal Antwerp, which included a famous 3-2 victory at home to Barcelona.
The 29-year-old also helped his side finish in third in the Jupiler Pro League with an impressive 12 clean sheets in 30 matches, and just 27 goals conceded.
Leicester City must ensure transfer priorities are met
The Foxes in no way shape or form have covered themselves in glory over the summer, albeit partly down to various financial struggles and the issues of key players, such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall departing.
Cooper’s side aren’t too much stronger in comparison to the twilight of the 2023/24 campaign, and that certainly raises alarm bells on what they should be prioritising at this moment in the season.
There is no doubt that goalkeepers will certainly be beneficial for Cooper’s plans, however any deal for a shot-stopper must be completed quickly, as the signing of a striker remains to be Cooper’s most time-sensitive issue.
There is no doubting that Butez will be a handy addition to Leicester City this season, especially with his wealth of experience in both the Champions League and Europa League.
However, if the Foxes go any further without the necessary striker additions, there will be no surprises if questions arise on the boards priority during the transfer window, especially considering the recent turn of events that have left Cooper’s side with few options only days away from the Premier League starting.