Leicester City signing this one-cap Englishman would add depth to a key position

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Leicester City must plot a summer swoop for Lewis Dunk

Back in July 2019, Brighton defender Lewis Dunk was heavily linked with a move to Leicester City. (h/t The Leicester Mercury) However, a move didn’t materialise last summer and the defender has since stayed put at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk in action. (Getty Images)
Brighton defender Lewis Dunk in action. (Getty Images)

Lewis Dunk, 28, has been at Brighton his entire career, apart from a loan spell at Bristol City in the 2013-14 season. He played in all 38 Premier League games during his club’s first season in the top-tier. The Englishman missed only two games last season and has played 26 games so far this season, scoring two goals and registering three assists in the process.

Meanwhile, Leicester City failed to sign a replacement for Harry Maguire before the start of the season. Maguire joined Manchester United for £80m – a world record fee for a defender, leaving Brendan Rodgers with Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, Wes Morgan and Filip Benkovic as the only options in central defence.

Following Maguire’s departure, Caglar Soyuncu has stepped up to the plate and delivered a series of strong performances. In the process, he has forged a rock-solid partnership with Jonny Evans at the back, helping Leicester City maintain a strong defensive record in the division.

Lewis Dunk of Brighton controls the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on December 16, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Lewis Dunk of Brighton controls the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on December 16, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Due to a shortage of options, the Foxes centre-back Ryan Bennett on loan from Wolves on transfer deadline day. They loaned out Benkovic to Bristol City in January for getting regular game and the Croat’s return remains due in June.

However, one must not forget that Wes Morgan is 36 and has entered the final stages of his career. He is out of contract in the summer and as things stand, the veteran defender’s future remains up in the air.

Not to forget, Evans has also entered the 30s. Keeping that in mind, Brendan Rodgers should look to add fresh faces to increase competition ahead of the next campaign. To that end, Lewis Dunk would be a good fit at the King Power Stadium.

Dunk came through the youth ranks at the Seagulls, making 296 appearances for the club in his career. He has proven to be a reliable performer for Brighton over the last few years and at the age of 28, the centre-back is operating at the peak of his powers. This may be his best opportunity to test himself at a higher level and play in Europe.

Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

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The one-cap England international would not only enhance Leicester’s backline but also add depth to Brendan Rodgers’ squad. Dunk is a proven Premier League material and would be a valuable addition for the Foxes.

Verdict

Hence, Rodgers would be wise to acquire the Brighton defender’s signature ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.