Premier League 2017-18: Ranking the transfer windows of all 20 teams
By James Dudko
13. Leicester
Notable Ins: Aleksandar Dragovic, Kelechi Iheanacho, Harry Maguire, Vicente Iborra
Notable Outs: Danny Drinkwater
On the surface, Leicester can be pleased about having done some solid business during this summer’s transfer window. The Foxes recruited a prolific young striker, a promising centre-back and a player who has been a serial winner in European tournaments.
Yet a closer look reveals problems with the Leicester transfer blueprint. For one thing, the Foxes have yet to receive any meaningful contributions from big-money buy Kelechi Iheanacho.
The former Manchester City super sub cost £25 million. But he’s spent most of his early days with his new club either on the bench or the treatment table.
There is also a question about how well Iheanacho can partner with Jamie Vardy. Both are strikers whose games are based around pace on the break.
However, Vardy has played his best football when Japanese workhorse Shinji Okazaki has supported him. It’s difficult to see exactly how Iheanacho, another striker reliant on quick supply, fits into this picture.
At least Riyad Mahrez is still around, at least for now, to create chances. It’s become fashionable to pan the Algeria winger’s performances last season. But those who do forget just how good Mahrez was when he won the PFA Player of the Year after inspiring Leicester to the title in 2015/16.
Mahrez registered 11 assists during the historic campaign, per WhoScored.com. He has also been outstanding at the start of this season, despite wanting a move away.
Keeping Mahrez was a boost, but Danny Drinkwater will be missed after his late, late move to Chelsea for £35 million, per Rob Tanner of the Leicester Mercury. The playmaker’s craft has left the midfield looking thin.
It would help if Vicente Iborra, who collected Europa League titles for fun with Sevilla, could finally get fit enough to start a game.
The Foxes also couldn’t a deal going for Arsenal’s Calum Chambers on deadline day, according to BBC Sport’s David Ornstein. Chambers would have helped further refresh a defence already younger after the smart decision to sign Harry Maguire.
Yet the club did snap up Aleksandar Dragovic on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, per Sky Sports News. He’s an imposing defender, but one with a shaky disciplinary record.