City have spent around £35m so far on four new signings. But the first man through the door, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, arrived on a free transfer from Fulham, providing some Premier League experience in attacking areas.
Since then, City have signed teenage attacking midfielder Michael Golding from Chelsea for £5m, snapped up Italian centre-back Caleb Okoli from Atalanta for £15m, and brought back winger Abdul Fatawu from Sporting Lisbon in a £14m permanent deal. Wilfred Ndidi feels close to a new recruit too, the Nigerian signing a new contract a couple of weeks after his previous one expired.
Pre-season fixtures
July 23: Shrewsbury v Leicester City – Croud Meadow (7.45pm)
July 27: Palermo v Leicester City – SMH Group Stadium (7pm)
August 3: Augsburg v Leicester City – Illerstadion (2.30pm)
August 10: Lens v Leicester City – Stade Bollaert-Delelis (3pm)
So what next? An attacking midfielder feels like a necessity and could tie City’s whole attack together. Matias Soule is the man they’re chasing. City are vying with Roma for the 21-year-old Argentinian, with a bid in excess of £25m likely to be needed to bring him.
Soule was terrific on loan at Frosinone last season, despite their relegation, and led Serie A for several statistics, including key passes and carries into the final third. While he’s a winger by trade, he can play centrally.
But in the event City want to play Soule wide, the arrival of another forward-thinking midfielder wouldn’t go amiss. That would then give them plenty of depth.
Beyond that, a new striker would be excellent. Jamie Vardy is City’s main man up top at the moment and finished last season in terrific form, but he only scored three times in his last Premier League campaign, and now he’s two years older.
Of the strikers City have been linked to, Tammy Abraham is the stand-out player. The England international has developed his game while at Roma and would have plenty to prove back in the Premier League.
Wrapping up City’s business, a new full-back would be very handy. There’s no guarantee Victor Kristiansen wants to say, so a left-back signing would strengthen that side, allowing James Justin to play on the right, where he is more effective. Also, with a new full-back, Ricardo Pereira could then be used in midfield, either next to or as a deputy for Harry Winks.
Departures
City’s need for an attacking midfielder stems from the sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The £30m deal with Chelsea was a disappointing one for fans, the club saying goodbye to a local lad who had developed into the club’s best player, but it was an important one too and should stave off further concerns around Profit and Sustainability Rules.
No other players have yet been sold, but there is potential for players to leave. As mentioned, Kristiansen could go after his year on loan at Bologna last term, while Boubakary Soumare is in the same position.
City have an abundance of centre-backs, and Harry Souttar is the likeliest to depart at the moment, having been down the pecking order last season. Wout Faes would make the club some extra cash if he was sold though.
And a striker may have to leave if City were to bring in a new face up front. Patson Daka would be the contender to go there.
One player City won’t want to see leave is Mads Hermansen. Chelsea’s search for a new goalkeeper could see Maresca turn to the Dane after his impressive maiden campaign with City. Given the trouble City had between the sticks the last time they were in the Premier League, keeping Hermansen is vital.
Cooper appointed
The man overseeing City’s bid for survival is former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper. He was appointed after Enzo Maresca upped sticks to join Chelsea, signing a three-year deal at the King Power Stadium.
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