Two Alternatives For Kelechi Iheanacho That Leicester Can Consider
Manchester City’s young striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been making the rounds in the tabloids of late as speculations intensify over his future at the Etihad Stadium. The 20-year old Nigerian has found game time hard to come by under Pep Guardiola and with the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January, his situation doesn’t look like getting any better, which has led to the player wanting a move away in the summer.
The Nigerian international scored 7 goals and assisted 3 more from 29 games across all competitions last season, but found chances hard to come by as the season progressed. Many Premier League clubs have expressed strong interest in Iheanacho’s signature and now the Express claims that West Ham United are the favourites to sign the youngster, with Everton also in the race.
This comes as a big blow for Leicester City who were also interested in signing Iheanacho. With West Ham reportedly submitting a £24million bid, the Foxes are left worrying as they see their target slip away. If the 20-year old ends up joining the Hammers, here are two young and promising alternatives that Leicester can look to bring in, in place of Iheanacho.
Patrick Roberts
Another City youngster, Roberts had a stellar campaign on loan with Scottish club Celtic, helping them to a domestic treble and an unbeaten season in all domestic competitions. The 20-year old ended the 2016/17 campaign with an amazing 11 goals and 19 assists across all competitions from 47 games. It was highly anticipated that the youngster will be staying with the Citizens for the next season, but with the capture of Bernardo Silva earlier this week, his place in the team will be far from guaranteed and another loan spell could very well be on the cards.
Able to play anywhere in the attack and having proven that he can score and create goals in plenty, Roberts has the potential to be a formidable attacker and Leicester should definitely consider taking him on loan as he will give them the added option of playing on the right flank with Riyad Mahrez likely to leave.
Enes Unal
Another Manchester City youth talent who has excelled being out on loan, at FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie, 19-year old Enes Unal could be another option that Leicester could look at for a loan deal.
The Turkish striker has been on the books of the Citizens’ since 2015 but has had several spells out on loan. This past season he was with FC Twente, where he impressed heavily, scoring 19 goals and registering 4 assists from 33 games across all competitions. Fast, technically good, excellent with the ball at his feet, Unal has all the traits required to become a star striker. His finishing and his ability to shoot from distance is something that has caught the eyes of many.
With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus the preferred options at the top under Guardiola and another big name forward expected to arrive in the summer, it is unlikely that Unal will get much game time at the Etihad and another loan spell away would do him the world of good. Leicester need to capitalise on this opportunity and make a temporary arrangement for the young Turkish striker.