Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu has quashed rumours linking him with a move away from the club this summer, insisting that he has no desire to leave the Foxes for the foreseeable future.
The Turkish international has enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign with Leicester following the departure of Harry Maguire, stepping into his former teammate's shoes with great success. The 23-year-old has made 35 appearances in all competitions and has helped the Foxes up to third in the Premier League table.
As a result of his strong performances, Soyuncu has been tipped to move to Manchester City this summer, with Pep Guardiola's side in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
However, in an interview with Turkish publication Fotomac, Soyuncu revealed he has no desire to leave Leicester at the moment, reiterating that he still has a lot to learn at King Power Stadium while taking time to praise the leadership qualities of defensive partner Jonny Evans.
"I don't think it would be right to go somewhere right now," said Soyuncu. "I'm having a good season. Above all, I still have a lot to learn.
"I'm playing with Evans right now. John Evans is the leading stopper who packs the back four. He has been in the Premier League for 12 years and 9 years in M. United. It is very useful, we learn a lot from it.
"Of course, there was pressure, but I believe that I have overcome it because we caught that confidence."
Such words will be hugely reassuring to Brendan Rodgers and the Leicester supporters, who must have feared that the young defender would follow in Maguire's footsteps by securing a big-money move to Manchester this summer.
With Champions League football looking an increasingly likely prospect for the Foxes next term, losing such an important member of their starting lineup would have been a significant blow for the east Midlands club.
Soyuncu has been most strongly linked with a move to the Etihad following his sensational form, but City will seemingly have to look elsewhere to bolster their back line this summer.
Aymeric Laporte's long-term injury, alongside the dwindling form of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones, have been key factors in City's sub-par performances this campaign, while issues at left-back have only exacerbated things.
However, if the Sky Blues want to rediscover their form and knock Liverpool off their perch, then they will need to splash the cash on defenders in the next transfer window - something that may be increasingly difficult following their potential Champions League ban, as well as the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Source :
90min
