Now that Harry Maguire has completed his much-talked-about move to Manchester United for £80million, it seems that Leicester City are on the lookout for a replacement for the 26-year-old.
Potential replacements for Maguire ruled out
There was heavy speculation that Brighton’s Lewis Dunk could be heading to the Midlands. However, reports suggest that the Foxes will not make a move for the 27-year-old this summer. He would no doubt have been a decent replacement for the United bound star.
Then there was the story about Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake. However, according to reports from Sky Sports, the Cherries value the Dutch international in the region of £75million, which would mean the Foxes spending virtually all the Maguire fee on one player. The fact the 24-year-old has three years left on his contract on the south coast is likely a big factor in Ake’s valuation.
Tarkowski now looks the most likely target
The same report from Sky Sports also claims that the Foxes are also interested in signing Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski. The 26-year-old former Bolton star could cost the team from the Midlands around £40million. The centre-back reportedly has a release clause of around £50million in his Clarets contract.
Tarkowski has become a key player at the heart of the Clarets backline in recent seasons. His impressive performances for Sean Dyche’s team have led to the defender winning two caps for England. It is unknown whether the Burnley star would fancy the switch to the Midlands.
However, Leicester expected to be amongst the teams who challenge for the top-six in the new season. Burnley on the other hand head into the campaign on the back of a fight against relegation. It remains to be seen if Tarkowski makes the move.
Leicester already have Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan on the books, as well as highly-rated youngsters Caglar Soyuncu and Filip Benkovic. The need for another experienced Premier League centre-back is understandable looking at Brendan Rodgers options. Morgan is now ageing, while the likes of Soyuncu and Benkovic have not had many chances to impress so far during their Foxes career.
Leicester should still enjoy a good season without Maguire
It may sound strange to say after such a big player has left the club, but Leicester should still enjoy a very strong campaign. The Foxes got a big fee and profit for the England international and no doubt they will miss him.
However, it would be hard to argue that Maguire is the best defender. His defensive abilities will not be impossible to replace, although his ball-playing ability and his character could be hard to replace.
Leicester have made some fine signings in the likes of Youri Tielemans and Ayoze Perez. The pair look to be shrewd acquisition’s, who should fit into boss Brendan Rodgers style of play perfectly. Tielemans, of course, has already impressed on loan last season.
The Foxes have the potential to be a very exciting team next season, so the loss of Maguire may seem like a bad blow on paper. Fortunately, Rodgers and co. will likely still have a good campaign and could progress into a team that can truly challenge the top teams in the league.
Who will be Leicester’s replacement for Harry Maguire?
