Why Leicester must make a move for Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer

According to Le10 Sport (h/t The Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are interested in signing Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer.

The centre-back, 22, started his career with Avai Futebol Clube and spent five years with the Brazilian second-tier club. He joined Lille in 2017 and that’s where he has been since, though the 22-year-old has spent time on loan at Troyes, and Dinamo Zagreb.

Since his return to Lille last year, Gabriel Magalhaes has been a regular for the Ligue 1 club, making 34 league appearances in all, including 21 league outings this season and six in the Champions League. He has performed very well this season, helping Lille to fourth place in the table.

The report (h/t The Leicester Mercury) adds Everton and Arsenal are also interested in the Brazilian, who signed a new contract until 2023 at the start of this month.

Meanwhile, Leicester City have suffered a slight dip in form of late, winning just once in their last five league games. Yet, they are third in the table with a six-point lead over second-placed Chelsea. With the Premier League entering the business end, the Foxes will aim to secure their spot in the top four and qualify for Champions League football next term.

Despite Brendan Rodgers failing to replace Harry Maguire in the summer, Leicester City have been rock solid at the back. Maguire joined Manchester United but the Foxes have barely felt the England international’s absence as Caglar Soyuncu has stepped up to the plate and delivered a series of strong displays. In the process, Soyuncu has formed a good understanding at the back with Jonny Evans, helping Leicester achieve the third-best defensive record in the division.

While the Midlands club brought in centre-back Ryan Bennett on loan from Wolves on transfer deadline day to provide cover in defence, Rodgers should look to add fresh faces to increase competition ahead of the new season. That being said, Leicester must make a move for Lille’s Gabriel.

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After a foot injury kept him out of action earlier, Gabriel has featured in 21 Ligue 1 games this season and has helped his side keep nine clean sheets in the process. He is a young, quality defender with potential. The Brazilian would bring some much-needed competition for Evans and Soyuncu next season.

Verdict

At 22, it would be the right time for Gabriel to step into the Premier League and there are chances of him establishing himself at a higher level under the guidance of Rodgers. Thus, Leicester must not think twice before plotting a summer swoop for the Lille defender.