Three Players Who Rafael Benitez Should Sign For Leicester If He Takes Over As Foxes’ Boss
Leicester City could be heading towards their third managerial sacking within a period of 14 months. If reports are to be believed, Puel is under immense pressure and his future is uncertain.
The Frenchman had done a solid job since taking over from Craig Shakespeare in October last year, leading Leicester away from the bottom three and back into the top half of the table. However, recent results which have seen the Foxes pick up just 4 victories in 18 games have cast a huge shadow of doubt on the former Southampton manager’s future at the club.
As per reports, the Foxes have also narrowed down on a replacement should they decide to axe Puel and it is none other than current Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard has done a solid job with the Magpies, leading them back to the Premier League and helping them seal their status as a top-flight club for another season.
However, his future at the club has always been under question, given owner Mike Ashley’s reluctance to back him in the transfer market.
If Benitez gets the job at Leicester next season, here are three players who he can look to bring to the King Power Stadium.
Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)
The Newcastle United captain has grown leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Benitez in the past couple of seasons and he is someone who Benitez might look to bring in if he takes over at Leicester next season.
Current Foxes captain Wes Morgan is already 34 and isn’t getting any younger, while Robert Huth’s future at the club remains uncertain, given that his contract expires at the end of the season. While the club have Harry Maguire in their ranks and since they are understood to be working on signing on-loan defender Aleksandar Dragovic on a permanent deal, a new centre-back would still be a welcome addition.
Lascelles would be a great addition to the side, given how admirably he has performed for Newcastle, leading the team by example.
Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
Mahrez’s Algerian international teammate Yacine Brahimi is someone who Benitez must consider. Linked with Newcastle not very long ago, the 28-year old Porto man has had a strong season, in which he has netted 11 times and registered 10 assists in 46 games across all competitions.
Brahimi has been one of Porto’s better performers in recent seasons and has consistently shown that he can perform at the topmost level.
Capable of playing on either wing and as a central attacking midfielder, the Algerian has the pace to burn, is an excellent dribbler of the ball and can score and create goals in plenty. Surely worth a look.
Dennis Praet (Sampdoria)
It is no secret that Benitez is a huge admirer of the Belgian midfielder and he tried to bring him to Newcastle United last summer. However, a deal couldn’t be hashed out owing to Mike Ashley’s unwillingness to shell out the money. He should look to rekindle his interest in Praet should he be appointed as the manager at Leicester.
The 23-year old hasn’t had the best of the seasons with the Serie A side, having managed just 3 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.
However, his technical ability on the ball and his quality are unquestionable. Capable of play as a playmaker or in a withdrawn role in the middle of the park, he will improve the squad greatly and given his ability to slot in on the left flank, he will also provide the manager with greater depth in the ranks.