Leicester Transfers: 5 Midfielders the Foxes Could Realistically Target in the Summer

No matter how it finishes, the 2019/2020 campaign will surely be regarded as Leicester City's second best Premier League season of all time.


Brendan Rodgers has the Foxes playing some lovely, flow flowing football and a return to the Champions League looks like it's on the cards. Hurray!


Key to this success has been their dominance in midfield. Both the poised destructiveness of Wilfred Ndidi and the creative juices of Youri Tielemans and James Maddison have helped in this regard.


However, the Foxes should not rest on their laurels. Contingency plans need to be put in place in for the possible event of Ndidi's departure. Outside of the first team Leicester could also do with some strengthening with Adrien Silva, Papy Mendy and Andy King all set to depart while Matty James' career appears to be over.


Here are five options that Rodgers should be contemplating when the transfer window opens.



Philippe Coutinho


Yes, yes, yes. We know this one seems quite unlikely but with Philippe Coutinho's career at a crossroads he could be tempted to rediscover his best form under his former manager.


With Bayern Munich not keen on making the Brazilian's loan move permanent and his long term Barcelona future up in the air, perhaps the promise of regular football and an outside shot of Champions League glory will convince Coutinho to slap down a deposit on a nice, five bedroom house in the Leicestershire countryside.


He may have struggled for form over the past few seasons but moments of magic - such as his sumptuous hat trick against Werder Bremen back in December - show that a very, very, very special player is still there, waiting to burst out.



William Carvalho


Real Betis Balompie v RCD Mallorca - La Liga

In William Carvalho, Leicester wouldn't just be purchasing one of the best moustaches in world football, they'd also be getting a very talented defensive midfielder.


Portugal has proved a potent hunting ground for Leicester in recent times with Islam Slimani, Adrien Silva and Ricardo Pereira being shipped in from Primeira Liga clubs. Though he currently turns out for Real Betis, Carvalho spent five seasons at Sporting CP previously and he is understood to have been tracked by the Foxes for some time.


The 28-year-old would provide cover - or could even replace - Wilfred Ndidi who is subject to interest from PSG. He is used to screening the defence so would slot in nicely to the role currently occupied by the Nigerian in Leicester's 4-1-4-1 formation.



Adam Lallana


Liverpool FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League

Another former Liverpool player in line for a reunion with Brendan Rodgers this summer is Adam Lallana.


The 31-year-old made just shy of 50 appearances during the Northern Irishman's time at the Anfield helm with Rodgers' paying £25m to bring him to the club from Southampton in 2014.


Lallana would be available on a free transfer and although he's struggled with injuries recently, shipping the England international in on a low risk deal is surely a no brainer. He can play as a ten or out wide and this versatility will be a useful addition as Leicester prepare to compete on multiple fronts next season.



Kalvin Phillips


Hull City v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship

A lot of things would have to happen for this deal to be completed.


First, Leicester would have to sell Wilfred Ndidi. Second, Leeds would have to agree to part with their prize asset, likely just as they are preparing for a return to the Premier League after almost 20 years away. Third, lifelong Whites fan Phillips would have to be prepared to walk out on his boyhood.


All three of these things could feasibly happen and if Ndidi departs, the Foxes should be making Phillips one of their top targets.


Since being converted into a defensive midfielder by Marcelo Bielsa last campaign, the 24-year-old has been mightily impressive, spraying passes around the pitch with ease and showcasing a tireless work rate. He'd slot in nicely at Leicester then.



Dominik Szoboszlai


FC Red Bull Salzburg v SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz - tipico Bundesliga

Signing players for Red Bull Salzburg is very fashionable right now, so why shouldn't the Foxes join the party by snapping up Dominik Szoboszlai?


The Hungarian joined Die Mozartstädter's talent factory at the age of 16 and has gone on to establish himself in the first team since then.


This season, the 19-year-old has played 29 times in all competitions, racking up 11 goal involvements. This has included five appearances in the Champions League where he helped his side to a pair of group stage victories over Genk and a famous draw with Napoli.


Szoboszlai would fit into the Leicester side either as a left winger - where he was played the majority of his games - or as one of the midfielders who sit in front of the lynchpin, Wilfred Ndidi.







Source : 90min