Leicester City supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their side seeking to build upon their solid ninth place finish last time round.
The Foxes made a sluggish start to the new campaign and as such Craig Shakespeare lost his job as manager, to be replaced by former Southampton chief Claude Puel. And the Frenchman led the 2016 league champions away from the bottom three and to the relative safety of mid-table, although his side’s form in 2018, in which they won just five of their 18 Premier League games, was a cause for a concern among some Leicester fans.
Nonetheless, with a full transfer window and pre-season over the summer, many Foxes supporters around the country will be hoping for much better from their side this season, with several hopeful of a possible push for a European place.
And with the likes of Jonny Evans and James Maddison through the door, those expectations are certainly rising, yet it is just as imperative that Puel retains some of the club’s most prized assets during the summer window.
And were the Frenchman to indeed keep these TWO Leicester stars, they could well be challenging for the European spots this season…
21-year-old Wilfred Ndidi only made the move to the King Power Stadium back in January 2017, but he has already made quite an impact in his 18 months at the Midlands club.
The midfielder missed just one Premier League game in the remainder of the 2016/17 season following his arrival from Genk, at the same time starting all four of their knockout clashes in the Champions League to underline how important and influential he was immediately after joining the club.
And with 38 appearances in all competitions last time round, 33 of which coming in the league, it’s clear that the Nigeria international is an integral part of the squad at Leicester, and someone Puel simply must keep hold of amid reported summer interest.
Harry Maguire’s efforts for England at this summer’s World Cup have been well documented by many in the last few weeks, but Leicester fans will know exactly how important he was to them throughout last season.
The 25-year-old was snapped up by the Foxes for just £17 million 12 months ago following Hull City’s relegation, and the centre back went on to have an excellent season for the club in starting all 38 of their Premier League games last time round.
And his defensive efforts, alongside his composure in the possession, certainly impressed England manager Gareth Southgate given the Three Lions chief not only selected Maguire for his 23-man World Cup squad, but he became one of his country’s key players in starting all but one of their matches at the tournament.
Manchester United have since expressed an interest in the defender to suggest that Leicester will have a battle on their hands retaining the 25-year-old, a battle they simply have to win if they harbour European hopes.
