'The inescapable feeling Leicester need more'

  • Author, Nick Mashiter
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport Football News Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is a new era for Leicester City as they return to the Premier League.

Survival is key. The Premier League title win in 2016, Champions League nights and FA Cup triumph are now just fond memories.

Ultimately, after a March wobble, they cruised to the Championship title but the top flight is a very different beast.

Boss Steve Cooper wanted his side to be "Premier League ready" but, before Monday's opener at home to Tottenham, are they?

Abdul Fatawu, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Michael Golding, Caleb Okoli and Facundo Buonanotte are the new arrivals, as the club tread lightly around profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

That was eased by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's 拢30m transfer to Chelsea, following former head coach Enzo Maresca's move to Stamford Bridge which earned the Foxes around 拢10m.

Harry Winks and Stephy Mavididi will be key, as will goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, but there is an inescapable feeling that Leicester need more.

Goals remain a worry - Jamie Vardy netted 18 in the Championship last term but, at 37 years old and possibly in his final season, whether he can produce enough in the Premier League is debatable.

A deal for Bayer Leverkusen forward Adam Hlozek is reportedly close, and Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis and Galatasary's Wilfried Zaha have been linked, but with Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka likely to miss Monday's game through injury, a striker is a priority.

That all comes with a backdrop of the club's outstanding PSR charge for an alleged breach of the rules, which could eventually see the Foxes hit with a points deduction, meaning staying up will remain the priority.