Forget It Shakespeare – Signing This 34-Year Old French Free Agent Represents A Huge Risk

Why Signing Bacary Sagna Would Be A Risky Move By Leicester City

Former Manchester City right-back has been in the news lately, as reports are linking him with a move to Leicester City. The free agent was released by Pep Guardiola back in June, and is yet to find a new club.

He spent three seasons at City after joining them from Arsenal in 2014, and was linked with the likes of Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United since departing the Etihad Stadium. Nothing materialised, however, and the player is hoping to make the switch to Leicester City.

Sagna has made a total of 85 appearances in all competitions for City during his time there. The right-back started 17 Premier League games last season, but his contract at the Etihad was not extended once Guardiola splashed the money on new right-backs, in the shape of Kyle Walker and Danilo.

Leicester could be ready to offer the former Arsenal man the chance to stay in the Premier League as they look to bolster their defensive options on the right. So far, Craig Shakespeare has deployed centre-backs Daniel Amartey and Yohan Benalouane as makeshift replacements, while also utilising academy products Josh Knight and Darnell Johnson.

The Foxes have been struggling defensively, which only accentuates their need to bring in cover and competition for Danny Simpson, who is Leicester’s first choice right-back ahead of Daniel Amartey, who has started just twice this season, which were in the EFL Cup wins over Sheffield United and Liverpool.

Sagna is likely to fit the bill as he would have no problem to settle in having spent more than 10 years in the Premier League. Signing the 34-year-old would be ideal on a short-term basis in order to provide Shakespeare with right-back cover. However, Sagna may charge wages which could exceed what Leicester are capable of paying, thus raising questions over whether or not he will be a good addition.

Paying hefty wages for a defender who can only add value in the short-term may not be the best move for Leicester City right now. Form could be another issue. Sagna could struggle with fitness as the season progresses and Leicester need a player who can deliver results day in and day out.

Having said that, if both parties can resolve the financial aspect, Sagna can prove to benefit the club. It will still be quite a huge risk to take for Shakespeare even though it might help him over a short period of time.