Why Leicester City should make a move for Denis Bouanga in January

Back in June, the Liverpool Echo had claimed that Leicester City were keen on a move for Denis Bouanga, who was then contracted to Nimes Olympique. A move didn’t happen, instead, the winger went on to sign for Saint-Etienne during the summer transfer window.

Denis Bouanga, 24, finished the last Ligue 1 season with eight goals and three assists to his name for his former club Nimes Olympique. He has hit the ground running for his new club Saint-Etienne, opening his account in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brest.

Leicester City, meanwhile, have started the new Premier League campaign well by bagging five points from the opening three games.

The Foxes lost the services of their star defender Harry Maguire to Manchester United during the summer transfer window but surprisingly opted against bringing in a replacement.

The Midlands club also had some of their key performers of last campaign on the radars of big clubs; however, barring Maguire’s big-money move to United, Brendan Rodgers was reluctant to let go any of his squad’s important players.

Just like Maguire, United also held an interest in James Maddison during the summer transfer window. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in the market for midfield reinforcements after letting go of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.

Eventually, he couldn’t find one and ended his summer shopping with a central defender, right-back and a winger.

As per the latest report from the Daily Mirror, Solskjaer’s United are preparing an eye-popping bid to bring in Maddison during the January transfer window.

Maddison has proven to be a reliable outlet for goals and assists, with seven goals and as many assists in the 2018-19 Premier League season. He has already created two goals this campaign and going by United’s dire need of a creative midfielder, the Foxes should expect a significant bid for their star in January.

Should Leicester decide to cash in on Maddison, Rodgers must reignite his interest in Denis Bouanga and attempt to bring him in during the New Year.

Predominantly a left-winger, Bouanga can play in multiple positions across the front-line. He is a speedy wide-man, capable of beating players with ease.

The Gabon international has improved his ability in front of goals over the last few years and could offer flair and a different flavour than that of Maddison to Rodgers’ Leicester.

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Bouanga and Maddison are two completely different players, with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Hence, there is no way the Gabonese would be a direct replacement for Maddison if he does arrive at the King Power Stadium.

Verdict

At 24, the Saint-Etienne winger will soon embark upon his peak years. If the Foxes do manage to get a deal done in the next transfer window, they’ll be able to enjoy the best years of Bouanga’s career.