Why Leicester City should keep hold of Kelechi Iheanacho
As per a Turkish press (h/t Leicestershire Live), Trabzonspor are interested in signing Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho as a replacement for Alexander Sorloth.
Iheanacho, 23, came through the ranks of Manchester City’s youth system and broke into the club’s senior set-up in the 2015/16 season. Though he was handed limited opportunities, the striker managed to rack up 16 goals and 5 assists that term. One year later, the Foxes signed him and he has made 81 appearances so far for Leicester.
One of the best young talents in the Premier league, Iheanacho has been a wonderful second-fiddle to Jamie Vardy this season. Thus, Leicester should keep hold of the Nigerian amidst interest from the Turkish outfit, as per the report.
Brendan Rodgers has been successful in his first full term as the manager of the Foxes. The Midlands club have enjoyed a bright spell so far and are flying high on the success of star striker Vardy, who has netted 17 goals.
They are currently 3rd in the league table with hopes of qualification to the Champions League. Both, the attack and the defensive units have done a stellar job so far. The Foxes have conceded just 28 goals and boast of the third-best defensive record in the top-flight.
However, with Iheanacho attracting interest from Turkey, Leicester should manage to keep hold of the forward of they are to do better in the future. Vardy and Iheanacho are the only two strikers available at the manager’s disposal.
The Englishman has been brilliant over the past few years for the Foxes but he is already 33 and entering the twilight of his career. And apart from him, the 2015/16 league winners don’t have any other established striker. Thus, the manager should make sure to block any exit for Iheanacho, who has been brilliant in the limited opportunities he has received.
The Nigerian international has already chalked up 3 goals and 4 assists in 12 league games so far and has also scored some crucial goals for the side. He is capable of developing into a lethal striker, given his quality and potential.
Iheanacho has already made 154 career appearances and his little experience would be helpful in taking over from Leicester’s talisman once Vardy steps down. The manager should enhance his qualities by handing him the right opportunities.
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Verdict
At 23, Iheanacho has a huge future ahead and he has already shown glimpses of his ability. With Vardy nearing the end of his career it would be a wise decision by Leicester City to hold on to the Nigerian for the future.
