Three free transfers Leicester City could pull off to give Steve Cooper a boost
There is likely to be one spot remaining in Leicester City’s 25-man Premier League squad, opening the door for them to fill it with a free agent signing between now and January
Leicester City look set to have one space spare in their 25-man Premier League squad when it’s submitted next week, giving them the chance to dip into the free agent market should they wish.
There’s been no indication that they will, although Steve Cooper did say the club may not be able to get all of the business they want wrapped up during the transfer window. If they still felt they were short in a particular position, there is the chance to bring somebody in before January.
Here, we’ve picked out three free agents that may fit the bill for City and could give them something they’re missing.
Of all of the positions that City were looking to strengthen during the transfer window, the one they didn’t make any signings in was left-back. It means Victor Kristiansen and Luke Thomas are Cooper’s options for now.
But how about Patrick van Aanholt? The Dutchman is a much more accomplished player than he was when on loan at City 13 years ago and while he is now 34, he was a regular starter for PSV Eindhoven last season as they won the Eredivisie.
As part of Cooper’s gameplan, one of the full-backs needs to push on and join the attack when City have got the ball, and during his years at Crystal Palace, Van Aanholt showed he’s plenty capable of joining the attack and contributing at the top end.
Yusuf Yazici
Cooper has shown he likes versatile attacking players, those who can be dropped into any role out wide, in attacking midfield or up front. Yusuf Yazici would tick that box.
The Turkish international scored 12 goals across all competitions for Lille last season, doing so from out on the right, as a number 10, or while leading the line. Since leaving the French club, he’s been linked to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.
City now have plenty of attacking options after signing Bilal El Khannouss and Odsonne Edouard in the final couple of days of the window, but Yazici would give them one more option. At 27, he’s a decent age too.
