Transfers: Could Iheanacho leave Leicester City this summer?

The Super Eagles star’s career at the King Power Stadium finally kicked off this season, but he could still leave this summer

Kelechi Ihenacho’s position at Leicester City is currently under threat after Leicester City signed Patson Daka from RB Salzburg.

The Foxes announced on their website that the Zambian international signed a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium.

Daka finished as the Austrian Bundesliga top scorer with 27 goals as Salzburg did the League and Cup double this season.

Although Daka is seen as a replacement for the ageing Jamie Vardy, Leicester have also opened talks with Celtic over the potential of French U21 striker Odsonne Edouard, and that presents a new challenge for Iheanacho.

Iheanacho’s time at Leicester has been full of ups and downs. The 24-year-old joined the Foxes from Manchester City in 2017 for £25m, but he has struggled for the larger parts of his time at the club until this season.

The 24-year-old had a turnaround in fortunes this season, scoring 19 goals and registering seven assists, which is his personal best since arriving in England.

Iheanacho also played a vital role in helping Leicester win their first FA Cup title, scoring against Brighton, Manchester United and Southampton en route to the final.

However, despite his improved form, the Nigerian international has a decision with the potential addition of Daka and Edouard likely to limit his chances next season.

Also, with Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez, James Maddison and Jamie Vardy all jostling for the attacking spots, Iheanacho will face more competition next season.

Meanwhile, the Foxes could also consider selling the Nigerian international to recover some of the money that would be spent on Daka.

The Zambian international is likely to cost the Foxes around £30M, which is a lot in this pandemic season. But with Iheanacho valued at around £17m, Leicester could consider selling the Nigerians to raise funds for Daka’s purchase.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if that’s an option the Foxes would be willing to take. Iheanacho only signed a new contract at the club this season, and it does not expire until 2024.

This post was last modified on September 27, 2021 6:38 am

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

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