As Leicester City prepares for the 2024/25 Premier League season, head coach Steve Cooper faces the challenge of filling the void left by key player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder, who contributed an impressive 26 goals in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign, departed just days into Cooper’s tenure.
Potential Replacements and Transfer Targets
Leicester City has been proactive in seeking replacements. Matt O’Riley has been a target, but negotiations for the Danish international have stalled. Additionally, the Foxes showed interest in former Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare, who ultimately signed with Championship club Sheffield United.
Departures to Generate Funds
To bolster their transfer budget, Leicester has focused on player departures. One player attracting significant interest is defender Harry Souttar. A loan move for Souttar was speculated, with Stoke City and Sheffield United among the interested clubs. However, reports suggest that negotiations with Stoke City have not advanced, as Souttar draws attention from clubs across the UK and Europe.
Harry Souttar’s Future at Leicester City
Harry Souttar’s time at Leicester has been turbulent, with just 15 league appearances over a season and a half. Signed from Stoke City in January 2023, Souttar struggled to secure a spot under former boss Enzo Maresca, making only three Championship appearances last season. Despite this, his previous success at Stoke City, where he demonstrated his prowess at the Championship level, indicates his potential value.
At 25, Souttar still holds promise as a solid defender. His international experience, with 11 goals in 30 matches for Australia as a center-back, could be invaluable for Leicester’s defense. Given the likelihood of a loan move, Leicester might benefit from considering Souttar as an option during pre-season and possibly integrating him into their Premier League squad.
Conclusion
As Leicester City navigates the summer transfer window, replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and managing player departures like Harry Souttar will be crucial. With strategic signings and careful consideration of existing talent, Steve Cooper aims to strengthen the squad for a challenging Premier League season ahead.
