Go For It Claude Puel: Signing This 25-year Old Defender Could Help Leicester To Fight For European Places

Will Signing Solomon Kvirkvelia Be A Good Or Bad Move For Leicester City?

Leicester City are reportedly interested in a January move for Georgian centre-back Solomon Kvirkvelia, who currently plays for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. He joined the club earlier in February on a loan this year and established himself as a regular from the very beginning. After having won the league cup with his side, Moscow signed him on a permanent basis in June. The player does seem like a sturdy centre-back and a chance to move to the Premier League could come across as an exciting opportunity for the 25-year-old.

The Foxes began the new season on a rather dismal note, which ultimately led to the sacking of Craig Shakespeare. The club then appointed Claude Puel as the new manager and he has managed to rescue them from relegation danger and cement them in the top-10. However, the club are likely to nurse greater aspirations and for that, a new central defender does seem like a step in the right direction.

Puel’s first duty as Leicester manager in the transfer window will be to do something about the likes of Islam Slimani and Ahmed Musa. That said, he will also need to bring in new faces and Kvirkvelia could do wonders for an ageing Leicester central defence.

At 33 years of age, Robert Huth is yet to make an impact this season since he is recovering from an ankle injury. Wes Morgan has held the fort decently but he will turn 34 soon, which leaves Harry Maguire as the only first-choice option.

They also have the likes of Dragovic and Benalouane but the former is only there to serve a season-long loan while the latter’s future is already in doubt, having made just one appearance this term. As days progress in the competition, the Foxes will be in need of stronger reinforcements to tackle their upcoming challenges, which will only intensify hereafter.

To come into the top ten and then settle for a lower finish is not something Leicester will be happy with and to avoid that, signing a skilled defender like Kvirkvelia does seem like a good contingency plan for January.

Considering the ruthlessness with which the Foxes deal with their managers, it is imperative for Puel to ensure he finishes his first season on a strong note. Strengthening the defence at the King Power Stadium could prove to be a massive advantage, especially since Leicester have been putting stronger and reassuring displays ever since the former Southampton manager took charge.