Preparations are in full throttle for England’s teams, as the Premier League is just around the corner. Leicester City is no exception. Claude Puel sent a strong lineup on the pitch to face Valencia which featured Kelechi Iheanacho as the lone striker. The Nigerian scored Leicester’s first and only goal in the 1-1 draw. Iheanacho was The Foxes’ only goalscorer in the previous friendly loss to Udinese (2-1) as well, as he is obviously doing his best to impress Puel ahead of the new campaign.
Kelechi Iheanacho looking to get back on track after a lost season
Kelechi Iheanacho arrived from Manchester City last summer for €28 million and was seen as a breakout candidate following some dazzling performances in his Citizens cameos. However, the injury bug bit him just before the start of the season and he was never given the opportunity to make up for lost time, scoring a total of three goals in 21 appearances.
The 21-year-old was one of the few bright spots for Nigeria during the 2018 World Cup. He and Ahmed Musa made the difference against Iceland, Nigeria’s only World Cup win. Musa is off to Saudi Arabia, but Iheanacho will stay, as he’s looking to redeem himself and prove his worth. He should receive more playing time now that Riyad Mahrez is gone, although Jamie Vardy still blocks his path to regular starter minutes. Things could change depending on which formation Claude Puel decides to employ this season.
Leicester City transfer market movements
Leicester City has already re-invested the €68 million they received from Manchester City for Riyad Mahrez. Norwich’s 21-year-old James Maddison cost €25 million. He is the one who’ll be asked to fill Mahrez’s shoes. Right back Ricardo Pereira is another significant addition. The Porto man should fit it nicely alongside Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell and another summer signing Jonny Evans, who came over from West Bromwich for a meagre €4 million. Goalkeeper Danny Ward was bought from Liverpool to back-up Kasper Schmeichel. The Welshman also provides Leicester with an insurance policy in case the Dane opts for a new challenge, whether it is now or in January.
Next on the schedule for The Foxes
Puel’s men take on Lille on August 4 before kicking off the Premier League campaign against last season’s runner-up Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 10.
