Leicester’s amazing rise this season has been nothing less than an unbelievable fairytale and has significantly boosted their reputation worldwide. The Foxes are willing to show the world that they are here to stay at the top for as long as possible, or at least the rumour mill suggests so. The Foxes have targeted Fiorentina star Josip Ilicic as per reports from Express.
Could you imagine a player like Ilicic linked with a club like Leicester just a season ago? No, but Claudio Ranieri has done the impossible at King Power Stadium since taking charge of the Foxes back in the summer of 2015. From what the rumour mill suggests, Leicester City are looking to ensure that what they have achieved this season does not go in vain.
Leicester City have a title to defend next season and also will be playing at the grandest stage in Europe i.e the UEFA Champions League. The next season would be a crucial one. A good follow-up season could lead to the Foxes becoming a force in English football for a long time and why only England? They can even make their mark in Europe as well. All they need is a smart transfer window strategy to bolster the squad in terms of both quality and depth.
It was sheer motivation and desire from the players which made the impossible happen for the Foxes this season but it will be increasingly difficult to sustain such insane form next season. Champions League football will test the quality of the squad and at the same time, squad depth will be questioned big time as the Foxes play in four competitions.
Leicester’s lineup this season in the Premier League has been the easiest to predict unless any of the key players missed through injuries or suspension. The likes of Vardy, Mahrez and Kante have been the standout performers for the Foxes in their incredible journey to the very top of English football. However, Leicester cannot afford to contend in Europe next season with such a thin squad and that is why they need to break the bank in the summer.
Leicester does not have a single out and out number 10 in their squad but creativity in midfield will be desperately needed next season. Ilicic is a complete number 10 with an exceptional passing ability. The Slovenian international is also capable of playing on the flanks. A brilliant dribbler of the ball, Ilicic can find his teammates with defence-splitting passes to unlock even the tightest defence. The Fiorentina star often tests the goalkeepers with his long range shots. The Slovenian is one of the best set-piece takers in Serie A, be it direct or indirect.
Ilicic had a brilliant season for Fiorentina with 15 goals and six assists to his name from 37 appearances in all competitions. The 33-time capped Slovenia international will also add a lot of experience to the Leicester midfield as well as providing the creativity. Ilicic has decent experience in European football as well which will boost Leicester’s chances in the Champions League.
